Microscopic Genes, Gigantic Impact on Global Health

Authored By: Josh Chelliah Art By: Tiffany Lu We may have heard the term “global health”, but what does genomics have to do with it? Global health is defined as an interdisciplinary field of study, research, and health practice that focuses on ameliorating health and equity for every individual and population in the world [1]. Genomics, on the other hand, is defined as a branch of biology concerned with the structure, evolution, function, and mapping of the complete set of DNA, known as its genome, in an organism [2]. The answer lies in the power of genomic research to revolutionize disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention on a global scale. By studying the genomes of microbial pathogens as well as humans, researchers can develop targeted therapies and preventive strategies for some of the world’s most devastating diseases [3].

For instance, sequencing the genome of Anopheles gambiae, the mosquito that transmits malara, can herald in benefits in the short term for the treatment and prevention of malaria [3]. This is particularly vital for helping communities deeply affected by malaria, a highly lethal disease that affects a large proportion of children in Africa. Treating people with malaria or other diseases can improve the lifestyles and health of many populations who suffer from them which is of most importance in developing countries.

However, the potential of genomics is not limited to infectious diseases or developing countries. Developed nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom can use genomics to address rising rates of dementia, diabetes, chronic hypertension, and cancer.The genomics revolution may present new opportunities for the prevention and care of these worrying illnesses. Furthermore, this can lead to an amelioration of health disparities such as an improvement in life expectancies among wealthier developed nations and poorer developing nations [3]. Global health researchers are primarily focused on clinical care as well as preventative care for underdeveloped and developed nations. Health equity among all nations and peoples is a major objective and global cooperation is necessary to reach this end [3]. Genomic sequencing technology enhances our understanding of infectious diseases and strengthens how governments and researchers monitor their spread and treat them in diverse populations. By decoding the genetic makeup of infectious pathogens, scientists can develop tailored vaccines to specifically combat certain variants of the disease such as the variants of the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). While this approach offers long-term public health benefits and improved disease control, it also demands a substantial investment in resources and infrastructure upfront.

Research has proven that genomics is a viable solution for treating many diseases prevalent today, yet researchers fail to realize that the availability of genomic technology is often inconsistent and limited, particularly in middle- and lower-income countries that stand to benefit the most [4]. Many of these developing countries lack infrastructure, funding, and genomic research in medical practice. In regions experiencing ongoing crises, such as Haiti, Sudan, and Yemen, investments in advanced healthcare technologies are not prioritized. As a result, many countries who may be at high risk of a particular disease may be unable to access the benefits of genomics to effectively combat diseases that primarily affect their communities. Additionally, genomics brings complex, ethical, legal, social, and economic implications and each their own risks and hazards. Issues of an individual’s confidentiality and misuse of genetic information are risks that a country may have when using genomics. Some countries may use this information to create “perfect” babies with high socially acceptable characteristics and intelligence [3]. This unethical practice is a reflection of the principles of eugenics, raising serious societal concerns. These are serious concerns no different from the concept of eugenics, alongside biological warfare and bioterrorism due to further applications of genomics can expose predisposition to certain conditions/illnesses [5]. Commercial DNA testing companies like 23andMe,which are private firms that has collected genetic data from over 15 million users, further complicates this issue because private entities can be bought and sold. This means that 15 million people’s DNA are floating out there with the potential of a data breach.B ioterrorism and biowarfare can have severe consequences on global health due to their potential to cause widespread targeted disease outbreaks, overwhelm healthcare systems and create long-term hysteria and instability.

Balancing the potential benefits of genomics with these risks is key to the successful and ethical implementation of this technology. Countries that choose to adopt genomics need to carefully weigh the benefits of effective disease treatment and prevention with the risks of privacy, ethical concerns, cost, and the possibility of biowarfare and bioterrorism. For developed countries that have less pressing matters, genomics is a powerful solution to treat and prevent the spread of harmful diseases and improve the health of other nations through global cooperation. With proper government oversight, genomics could transform the field of global health with its ability to effectively target disease and help decrease the disparities in life expectancy between those who are wealthier and those who are not.

Works Cited

1. Beaglehole, R., & Bonita, R. (2010). What is global health?. Global health action, 3, 10.3402/gha.v3i0.5142. https://doi.org/10.3402/gha.v3i0.5142

2. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. (2020). National Cancer Institute; Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/genomics

3 .Pang, T. (2002). The Impact of Genomics on Global Health. American Journal of Public Health, 92(7), 1077–1079. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.92.7.1077

4. Ambrosino, E., Abou, A. N., Abramowicz, M., Bin Alwi Zilfalil, Boughtwood, T., Hamdi, Y., Hubbard, T., Kato, K., Iscia Lopes-Cendes, Partha Pratim Majumder, Mascalzoni, D., Ndiaye, R., Ramsay, M., Repetto, G. M., Vorasuk Shotelersuk, Taylor, S., Reeder, J. C., & Anna Laura Ross. (2024). The WHO genomics program of work for equitable implementation of human genomics for global health. Nature Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03225-x

5. Biberman, Y. (2021). The technologies and international politics of genetic warfare. The Washington Quarterly, 44(3), 6–33. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48618294

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