Genomics in Health: Advancing Science, Equity, and Investment through Global Health Governance

Genomics in Health: Advancing Science, Equity, and Investment through Global Health Governance

Side Event during the World Health Assembly in May 2025

Date & Time: Thursday, 22 May 2025 | 10:00–11:30 CEST
Format: Hybrid – Geneva (in-person), with live hubs in Dar-es-Salaam and London
Duration: 90 minutes

Background and Rationale

Genomics represents a transformative frontier in global health. By unlocking insights into the genetic basis of diseases, genomics enables precision public health interventions, better diagnostic tools, and tailored treatments. In Africa and globally, integrating genomic science into health systems can reshape the fight against endemic diseases such as malaria and sickle cell disease while advancing preparedness for future health emergencies.

The 78th World Health Assembly provides a timely platform to convene policymakers, researchers, and multilateral partners to examine how genomics can contribute to achieving health equity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This session builds on momentum from the 2024 Science Summit at the UN General Assembly. It aligns with the upcoming UN Financing for Development Conference (UNFfD4) in Seville (June 2025), where investments in scientific capacity and innovation, including genomics, are central to reimagining the global financing architecture.

This WHA side event will explore opportunities to advance genomics through international cooperation, science diplomacy, and sustainable financing. By linking scientific innovation to policy, the event contributes to the broader agenda of embedding science at the heart of development.

Objectives

• Highlight the role of genomics in tackling diseases with high burden in Africa and globally, focusing on malaria, sickle cell disease, and vaccine development.
• Promote collaboration between African and global scientific institutions in genomics research and implementation.
• Examine how genomics contributes to stronger health systems, universal health coverage, and pandemic preparedness.
• Advance policy discussions on science financing, linking this agenda to the UN General Assembly and UNFfD4.
• Build momentum toward a potential UN General Assembly Resolution on Genomics for Global Health and Development.

Draft Programme

Opening Remarks (5 minutes)

• Ambassador Mbelwa Kairuki, Tanzanian High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom

Panel 1. Gene Drive for Malaria (15 minutes)

• Brian Tarimo, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Tanzania
• TBD, Imperial College London
• Honorati Masanja, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Tanzania

Panel 2. Genomics and Immunology: The Malaria Vaccine (15 minutes)

• Faith Osier, Imperial College, London
• Ally Olotu, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Tanzania
• Said Aboud, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania

Panel 3. Genomics and Haematology: Sickle Cell Disease (15 minutes)

• Rutendo Muzambi, Imperial College, London
• Steven Okoli, Imperial College, London
• Florence Urio, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

Panel 4. Science Policy and Diplomacy (15 minutes)

• TBD, Ministry of Health, Tanzania
• TBD, Ministry of Education, Tanzania
• TBD, DHSC or FCDO, UK

Closing Remarks (5 minutes)

• Ambassador Marianne Young, British High Commissioner to Tanzania

Strategic Alignment

With the UN General Assembly (UNGA80, Sept 2025):
This side event complements global efforts to promote science-led policy frameworks. Genomics will feature prominently in discussions at the Science Summit during UNGA80, aiming to secure a UN resolution on Genomics for Global Health.

With the UN Financing for Development Conference (UNFfD4, June 2025):
By highlighting genomics as a strategic area for investment, the session sets the stage for deeper engagement with capital markets, development banks, and national health systems—key themes of the FfD4 agenda.

With the World Health Assembly (WHA78, May 2025):
This side event elevates genomics within the WHA policy discourse, underscoring its role in advancing UHC, research capacity building, and equitable access to innovations.

Organisers

• Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
• Imperial College London
• Tanzania High Commission to the UK
• British High Commission to Tanzania
• ISC Intelligence in Science