Editorial: Implementation of genomic medicine in Africa: One continent, one vision

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Implementation of genomic medicine in Africa: One continent, one visionThe translation of genetic research from bench to bedside involves multiple choices related to clinician-patient shared decision-making, with ethical implications at every step of the way.Given the evolving evidence base and limited genomic data from African genomes, we were delighted to receive three reviews, one opinion article, three perspectives, six original papers, and a brief research report with a checklist for assessment of the readiness to implement public health genomics.The latter contribution by Jongeneel et al. included survey results previously generated in parallel to the development of a framework for implementation of genomic medicine in Africa, which was published in February 2021 on commission of the African Academy of Sciences (https://www.aasciences.africa/publications/policy-paper-framework- implementation-genomic-medicine-public-health-africa).The Policy Brief summarized this framework for personalized genomic medicine as the foundation of the current translational Research Topic, showcasing collated evidence of applied knowledge in Africa to enable translation of research into clinical practice, as the study endpoint.The wide range of methodologies used, and implementation approaches presented, were evaluated for evidence of transition from population to individualised risk stratification required for the application of personalised genomic medicine.In the first review submitted, Govender et al. highlighted the need for development of preventive intervention strategies that would delay the onset and slow progression of chronic kidney disease through treating the underlying aetiologies in at-risk individuals.Screening and early detection of disease pathways utilizing biomarkers at critical control points in pharmacogenetic algorithms were recommended for future implementation of targeted therapy and preventative interventions.Zondo et al. furthermore urged the need to better understand the mechanisms of drug availability and metabolism of antiretrovirals, as the effectiveness of therapy depends on adequate drug delivery and availability to sites of HIV infection.Genetic polymorphisms and genital inflammation may influence drug transport and lead to contradictory results in clinical trials, posing a significant implementation barrier that needs to be addressed by pharmacogenetic studies in genetically diverse populations to improve the efficacy of drug dosing and delivery.In

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