Poster ID
P-44
Poster Title
Building Equitable Genomics Infrastructure in Tanzania: Perspectives from the Tanzania Human Genomic Variation Initiative
Authors
Mohamed Zahir Alimohamed¹, Siana Nkya¹
¹ Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
¹ Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Abstract
African populations harbor the greatest human genetic diversity globally, yet remain significantly underrepresented in genomic research and reference datasets. Tanzania, with more than 150 ethnolinguistic groups, represents an important but largely unexplored setting for population genomics research and equitable implementation of genomic medicine.
This poster presents ongoing efforts surrounding the Tanzania Human Genomic Variation (THGV) initiative, which aims to support the development of a national framework for human genomics research, population diversity studies, and genomic capacity building. The initiative seeks to strengthen local infrastructure for genomic data generation, analysis, governance, and long-term stewardship while promoting ethical and equitable inclusion of African populations in global genomics.
The poster will highlight key implementation considerations relevant to GA4GH priorities, including genomic data governance, responsible data sharing, local capacity development, regulatory and ethical frameworks, and sustainable international collaboration. It will also discuss challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries in developing national genomics initiatives, including funding limitations, workforce shortages, computational infrastructure gaps, and the need for locally relevant policies and standards.
By sharing experiences from Tanzania, this work contributes perspectives from an emerging African genomics ecosystem and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that global genomics standards and interoperability frameworks remain inclusive of underrepresented populations and low-resource settings.
This poster presents ongoing efforts surrounding the Tanzania Human Genomic Variation (THGV) initiative, which aims to support the development of a national framework for human genomics research, population diversity studies, and genomic capacity building. The initiative seeks to strengthen local infrastructure for genomic data generation, analysis, governance, and long-term stewardship while promoting ethical and equitable inclusion of African populations in global genomics.
The poster will highlight key implementation considerations relevant to GA4GH priorities, including genomic data governance, responsible data sharing, local capacity development, regulatory and ethical frameworks, and sustainable international collaboration. It will also discuss challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries in developing national genomics initiatives, including funding limitations, workforce shortages, computational infrastructure gaps, and the need for locally relevant policies and standards.
By sharing experiences from Tanzania, this work contributes perspectives from an emerging African genomics ecosystem and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that global genomics standards and interoperability frameworks remain inclusive of underrepresented populations and low-resource settings.