Introduction
Attendence
Key Highlights
Organizers and Partners
Gallery
The Tanzania Society of Human Genetics (TSHG) successfully hosted a six-day international joint conference that combined the 13th Conference of the African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) and the 1st Conference of TSHG, held from 30th August to 5th September 2021. Themed “Genomics and Translational Research to Improve Health in Africa”, the event adopted a semi-hybrid format. While the majority of participants joined virtually from around the world, a local hub was hosted at the Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro for the organizing team, partners, and invited guests.
The program featured virtual presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and live streaming for registered participants. At the Dar es Salaam hub, members of the press, including journalists, television, and radio correspondents, covered the event and conducted interviews. To conclude the gathering, a special dinner was hosted at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Dar es Salaam, offering participants a moment of reflection and networking.
The joint conference attracted an impressive 400 participants from 39 countries worldwide. This included 331 participants from Africa, alongside attendees from North America (42), Europe (16), Asia (8), Australia (2), and South America (1). Countries represented ranged from Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, and many more, as well as twelve non-African nations.
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Hon. Nassor Mazrui, Minister of Health, Social Welfare, Elderly, Gender, and Children of Zanzibar, and Mr. Togolani E. Mavura, representative of His Excellency Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the 4th President of Tanzania.
The conference successfully brought together health specialists, researchers, academicians, policymakers, students, and patient advocates, all uniting to explore how genomics and translational research can advance health in Africa. Importantly, student participation was strongly encouraged, with associations such as TAPSA, MBSA, TAMSA, and MUSSD supported through attendance awards and free registration for postgraduate students.
The first day of the conference was dedicated to the Young Investigator’s Forum and technical workshops. The forum was officially opened by Dr. Siana Nkya, President of TSHG, and co-chaired by Mr. Mohamed Zahir and Dr. Aneth David. Discussions emphasized the integration of genomics into clinical care in Africa and the importance of building local capacity. A key highlight was the introduction of the McKusick Short Course in Human and Mammalian Genetics by Prof. Charlie Wray from the Jackson Laboratory. Participants also benefited from hands-on Ensembl workshops, which provided practical training in genomic data analysis tools.
The second day featured the official opening ceremony, co-chaired by Prof. Christian Happi and Prof. Julie Makani. The day began with keynote addresses by Dr. Siana Nkya, Prof. Ambroise Wonkam, and Hon. Nassor Mazrui, Minister of Health in Zanzibar. A landmark moment was the launch of The Lancet Haematology Series on Haematological Care Priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa, which highlighted the urgent need for better diagnosis, treatment, and care pathways. Scientific sessions followed, with presentations on population genetics, pharmacogenomics, and sickle cell disease, laying a strong foundation for the conference dialogue.
The third day continued with a series of in-depth scientific sessions, panel discussions, and case studies. Researchers and clinicians shared their work on genomic medicine, bioinformatics applications, and ethical-legal aspects of genetics research in Africa. The day also provided a platform for patient voices, ensuring that lived experiences informed scientific discussions. These interactions strengthened the bridge between research, clinical practice, and community engagement.
The final day was devoted to future directions and collaborations. Sessions focused on translating genetic research into policy and healthcare systems, as well as fostering international and regional partnerships. Young researchers had the opportunity to showcase their posters and presentations, with awards presented to outstanding contributions. The conference closed with reflections from the organizers and participants, emphasizing a shared commitment to advancing human genetics and genomics in Tanzania and across Africa.
The conference also encouraged student and young investigator engagement, including poster speed presentations and the AfSHG Young Investigator Award, which was won by Nadia Kheriji, a Tunisian PhD student.
Beyond science, the event featured social and networking activities, culminating in a dinner where the TSHG Executive Board reflected on the organization’s journey and future goals.
Organizers and Partners
The joint conference was co-organized by TSHG and AfSHG, with leadership from Dr. Siana Nkya, Prof. Ambroise Wonkam, Prof. Julie Makani, Dr. Mohamed Zahir, and Dr. Aneth David, among others. Strong support also came from international collaborators, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and 54gene, alongside a dedicated team of Tanzanian volunteers.
Dr. Siana Nkya, President of TSHG
Hon. Nassor Mazrui, Minister of Health, Social Welfare, Elderly, Gender, and Children of Zanzibar
