Human Heredity and Health in Africa

Research initiative on genetic diversity in Africa

Logo of the Human Heredity and Health in Africa initiative

Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) is a collaborative research initiative aimed at studying the genetic diversity of African populations to better understand the genetic and environmental factors influencing health and disease. The initiative seeks to enhance the capacity for genomics research in Africa, promote the integration of genomic data into healthcare, and address health disparities on the continent.

Overview

H3Africa was launched in 2010 as a partnership between the African Society of Human Genetics, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, and the Wellcome Trust in the United Kingdom. The initiative was established to address the underrepresentation of African populations in genomic research and to build infrastructure and expertise in genomics across Africa.

Objectives

The primary objectives of H3Africa include:

• Building Research Capacity: Developing infrastructure and expertise in genomics and bioinformatics across African institutions.
• Conducting Genomic Research: Investigating the genetic and environmental determinants of diseases prevalent in Africa, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and sickle cell disease.
• Promoting Ethical Research: Ensuring that research is conducted ethically and that the benefits of research are shared with African communities.
• Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration among African scientists and between African and international researchers.

Research Projects

H3Africa supports a wide range of research projects across the continent, focusing on various health issues. These projects include studies on the genetic basis of diseases, the impact of environmental factors on health, and the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments.

Capacity Building

A key component of H3Africa is the development of research capacity in Africa. This includes training programs for African scientists, the establishment of biorepositories, and the creation of bioinformatics networks. These efforts aim to ensure that African researchers can lead genomic studies and apply their findings to improve public health.

Ethical Considerations

H3Africa places a strong emphasis on ethical research practices. The initiative has developed guidelines for informed consent, data sharing, and community engagement to ensure that research is conducted in a manner that respects the rights and interests of African participants.

Impact

H3Africa has significantly advanced the field of genomics in Africa, leading to new insights into the genetic basis of diseases and the development of new strategies for disease prevention and treatment. The initiative has also strengthened the research infrastructure in Africa, enabling local scientists to conduct cutting-edge research.

Related pages

• Genomics
• African Society of Human Genetics
• National Institutes of Health
• Wellcome Trust
• Bioinformatics