UNGA ‘78 with GenCoE: Partnering to Accelerate Genomic Science in Africa

This article was authored by Mark McCarthy, Head of Human Genetics at Genentech.

Earlier this month, I had the great pleasure of attending this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) events, where I participated in a plenary session hosted by the Genomic Centres of Excellence (GenCoE). The session served as a vital opportunity for stakeholders from across the global healthcare community to discuss ways that we can work together to expand genomic science in Africa, and establish a path for further developing public health and genomic medicine on the continent.

The Genomic Centres of Excellence (GenCoE)

Announced just last year, GenCoE is an innovative program that aims to advance the use of genomics in support of science and health in Africa, tackling several of the United Nations’ key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will focus on supporting African scientists to develop solutions to African health challenges. GenCoE has been developed by leaders in genomics from Africa – Christian Happi, Nicola Mulder, Charles Rotimi, and Ambroise Wonkam – with support from others outside of the continent, most notably, Dr. Francis Collins. Many of these individuals have been valued partners to Roche and Genentech in recent years, as we’ve worked to support genomic capacity building in Africa.?

GenCoE aspires to build a network of centers that will advance Africa’s genomic science and medicine, in part by enabling workforce development and supporting training that will help to retain African scientists on the continent. The program will catalyze efforts to improve future pandemic preparedness, and advance safe and effective treatment options across the continent. This will be especially impactful for conditions such as sickle cell disease and triple-negative breast cancer, which are specific to, or enriched amongst those of African descent.

GenCoE’s Event: Exploring Essential Partnerships in Advancing Genomic Initiatives

GenCoE’s event at UNGA, titled ‘Exploring Essential Partnerships in Advancing Genomic Initiatives,’ focused on agenda setting for the GenCoE program, offering individuals from across the globe a chance to share their perspectives on the important challenges, considerations, and opportunities that shape the landscape of genomic science in Africa and which should be taken into account as the initiative moves forward. These conversations were productive and fruitful, illuminated by the passion and determination of those involved, and will have a lasting impact as stakeholders come together to turn this vision into reality.

I was honored to attend the event and weigh in on discussions. I had the privilege of describing some of the ways in which private and public stakeholders are coming together to build equitable and sustainable partnerships. As we know, a challenge of this magnitude cannot be solved in siloes, and African institutions must be empowered to lead the way. Throughout the GenCoE event and the duration of UNGA, I was hugely encouraged by the passion and belief in the GenCoE initiative shown by so many participants. I was delighted to see genetic diversity being prioritized as a fundamental objective in genomic science and medicine.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Genomics in Africa

As I reflect on UNGA ‘78, I am optimistic about all that the global health community can accomplish together on behalf of patients across Africa and beyond. With concerted, collaborative efforts such as GenCoE, generously backed by stakeholders across industry, academia and government, Africa can take its rightful place as a leader in genomic science, helping to develop transformative breakthroughs in healthcare that address the needs of Africa and the rest of the global community. The future is bright, and those of us at Roche and Genentech are excited to be part of this inspiring journey to enable African scientists to advance genomic science in Africa.