A platform for information sharing; a technical working group for
public health development; a source of education
Introduction
Although
named Genetics Tanzania, GENTAN aims to promote the integration of
genomics into public health research, policy, and practice in order
to improve the lives and health of people in Tanzania. "Public
Health Genomics is an emerging field that assesses the impact of
genes and their interaction with behaviour, diet and the environment
on population health" (National Office of Public Health Genomics, NOPHG USA)
Genetics vs. Genomics
Genetics is the is the science of genes, heredity, and the variation
of organisms. Genomics examines the molecular mechanisms and the
interplay of genetic and environmental factors in disease. GENTAN
recognizes the reality of the current health situation in Tanzania
and supports the promotion of knowledge in genomics as a tool to
better health care.
Why
Genomics?
In lower income countries, the concept of
genomics as a tool for improved public health has not been widely
acknowledged as it has in higher income countries. Genomics could
potentially provide insight into why some people suffer poor
health from certain infections, environmental exposures, and
behaviours. To help reduce the burden of disease on the health
system, it is useful to identify who is at increased risk of
suffering from common diseases or less common conditions. With the
health systems already stretched, it's imperative to promote
methods of early detection and prevention. A simple family history
assessment can go a long way into determining appropriate health
education and encourage behaviour change to reduce risk.
'..success lies not
necessarily in the originality of the idea or strategy, but in the
ability to implement the idea effectively...' Dess & Miller
Our aim
At GENTAN our mission is to promote the integration of genomics into public health programs
(infectious and chronic disease prevention), We hope to play a
major role in raising awareness of the importance of genomics (and
genetics) in the public health and promoting genomics as a
catalyst in the evidence-based paradigm.
We hope to help public health professionals learn how to use
genomics in disease prevention efforts. A strong belief in synergy
forms a basis for our promotion of networking and collaboration.
We aim to educate, influence policy and provide expertise in
development projects. Alongside the primary roles, we hope to
provide information and knowledge to enhance the presence of
genomics in health care systems.
 Support
GENTAN is willing to collaborate with local, national and
international health institutions and programs to develop the use
of genomics as a 'weapon' to fight against the burden of disease
in developing states. To support our
work, please
contact
us.
Not familiar with the concept? View a 45 min presentation on
Genomics for Public Health Practitioners, provided by the CDC
and other partners in the area of genomics and its
relation to public health. Or take a look at the definition
provided by the
Public Health Genomics Foundation.
"The responsible and effective
translation of genome-based knowledge for the benefit of
population health" (Bellagio Workshop, April 2005)
Working to promote Science and Technology in Africa
Science and Technology provides the foundation for innovation and technological development, which will have a significant impact in the socio-economic development of Africa. Accelerating growth in Science and Technology requires collaboration, partnership and networking of all stakeholders. It is vital to mobilise and engage with the African Diaspora in this sector, (as one of the major stakeholders) and to enable this process, the International Council for Science Regional Office for Africa (ICSU ROA) and National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa awarded AfricaRecruit the Africa Diaspora Brain- Gain project.Please click on the icon to find out more about this Project.
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