Genomics: A Half-Full Glass in One Health Bassirou Bonfoh Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS)/ Afrique One-African Science Partnership for Intervention Research Excellence (ASPIRE)
It is undeniable that genomics has accelerated the inventory and knowledge on living organisms and the potential for increasing food production (e.g. new varieties, species) and human and animal health (e.g. diagnostic tools, vaccines, drugs). However, the health system has so far, not taken advantage of the potential of genomics. Observations show that low-income countries lack the necessary capacity to introduce animal and medical genetics services neither effective regulation and oversight of the use. We emphasize the huge potential that genomics offers to accelerate the knowledge on the adaptation of the endemic livestock species to threats, their resistance to pathogens and the evidence of the inextricable link between human, animal and environment. Based on two decades of experience in livestock production and integrated health systems in Africa, we provide what are genomics outcomes, and how the technology could accelerate sustainable livestock production systems as well as generate knowledge for quick responses to endemic and emerging diseases. The technology adoption and the behavior change towards the perception of genomics will certainly come when meanings are provided and the socio-cultural incentives are reconnected to genomics products.
Acknowledgments: African Academy of Sciences (AAS) Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA), the New Partnership for Africa's Development Planning and Coordinating (NEPAD) Agency, the Wellcome Trust [107753/A/15/Z] and the UK government (DFID).
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