Genomics and World Health [antikvár]

The announcement of the sequencing of the human genome in 2001 represents an unprecedented milestone in the advancement of our knowledge on the molecular basis of life itself. Together with the advances made in the deciphering of the genomes of many disease-causing microorganisms and their vectors, it is clear that the science of genomics holds tremendous potential for improving health globally. The information generated by genomics will, over time, provide major benefits for the prevention, diagnosis and management of communicable and genetic diseases as well as other common killers or causes of chronic ill health including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and mental illnesses. It is thus timely and appropriate for WHO to examine the implications of advances in genomics and other critical areas of biotechnology. For this reason, I have asked the Advisory Committee on Health Research (ACHR) to prepare this Report. The Report focuses on the expectations, concerns and possibilities for the use of new genomic knowledge in improving world health. The specific challenge is how we can harness this knowledge and have it contribute to health equity, especially among developing nations. It is a reality that most genomic and biotechnology research is presently carried out in the industrialized world, and is primarily market-driven. Genomics also needs to be applied to the health problems of the developing world. It is crucial that we actively seek means to involve developing country scientists in innovative biotechnology. The present Report points out that the genomics revolution has brought with it many complex scientific, economic, social and ethical concerns. These need to be carefully addressed, debated and considered. Recent developments in cloning and stem cell therapy, for example, have raised serious ethical, moral and safety concerns. It follows that societies also need to be better prepared for the era of genomics and its consequences. Public education, understanding and trust on the key issues in genomics is a basic pre-requisite. It is also vital that genomics be considered in the wider context of health and that a relevant balance is maintained in research, development and health care provision between the more conventional and well-tried approaches of clinical research, epi-