Creating policy frameworks for public health genomics to benefit developing countries.

ABSTRACT

Unprecedented advances in life sciences, as exemplified by the revolution in genomics, are yet to translate into effective public health interventions to benefit the health of populations living in the developing world. The developing countries continue to bear the major burden of disease globally, both infectious and chronic diseases, and they could clearly benefit from genomics being harnessed and used to address the greatest public health problems in addition to benefits for the health of individuals. For this to happen, we need to understand what are the major challenges or bottlenecks to be overcome and, informed by these priorities, create an effective, inclusive, equitable and sustainable policy framework within which knowledge translation into improved health outcomes of underprivileged populations can take place.