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A platform for information sharing; exploring genetics as a tool for
public health development; a source of education for researchers and
the public
Introduction
Gentics Tanzania
(GENTAN) was born from the reality that primary care professionals in
Tanzania are
faced with challenges in dealing with conditions that have a
genetically related cause or patients who have been affected by a
genetic disorder, or whose family history is of concern. A practice
long established in the high income countries, GENTAN's mission is to
support the use of genetics in research and as a primary health
care tool in Tanzania.
GENTAN aims to promote the integration
of public health genomics (PHG) 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
genetics/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)
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