The Tanzania Society for Human Genetics (TSHG) was officially inaugurated during the 6th Tanzania Health Summit (THS 2019), held on 28th November 2019 in Dodoma, Tanzania. The inauguration marked a significant milestone in advancing human genetics and genomics research in the country.
The theme of the inauguration conference was “Biomedical research in Tanzania with emphasis on human genetics and genomics.” The event served as a key highlight of the summit, drawing attention from a wide range of participants interested in the field.
A total of 105 attendees participated in the conference, including medical personnel, both junior and senior research scientists specializing in health and genetics, as well as students eager to engage with developments in human genetics. The inauguration set the stage for TSHG’s ongoing efforts to promote genetics research, collaboration, and education in Tanzania.
The inauguration was graced by Hon. Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children (MoHCDEC), who served as the guest of honor.
In his speech, Dr. Ndugulile highlighted the urgent need for proper diagnosis of genetic disorders, which affect many families across Tanzania. He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to supporting the efforts of TSHG, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing genetics research, diagnostics, and awareness in the country.
The conference featured insightful talks from researchers, academics, and patient representatives. The keynote speaker, Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa, Founding President and Chief Scientific Officer of the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), presented on “Pharmacogenetics in Precision Medicine in African Populations.”
From the academic and research community, presentations were delivered by Prof. Julie Makani (Head, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS), Dr. Deus Ishengoma (Principal Research Scientist and Head of Laboratory Sciences Department at the National Institute for Medical Research, NIMR – Tanga Centre), and Prof. E.M. Ben Hamel (Clinical Geneticist, Department of Human Genetics, Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, Netherlands, and Postgraduate Office, KCMU College, Moshi, Tanzania). Their talks highlighted advances in genetics research, clinical applications, and the development of precision medicine in the region.
Representing the patients’ community, Ms. Sharifa Mohammed, Founder and Chairperson of the Ali Kimara Rare Disease Foundation and mother of two children living with muscular dystrophy, shared her deeply personal experience raising children with rare genetic diseases in Tanzania. Her talk was especially moving, stirring the emotions of attendees and reinforcing the need for policies that address the management and care of genetic diseases at the clinical level.
By the conclusion of the inauguration, the focus shifted to the African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) conference, which TSHG was honored to host in September 2020 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
