Genomics and World Health

This report is intended to highlight the relevance of genomics (the study of genomes) for health care worldwide, with a particular focus on its potential for improving health in developing countries. The application of knowledge gained from the characterization of the genomes of several organisms, including the human genome, holds considerable potential for the development of new health care innovations over the coming decades. This new field, however, presents a series of highly complex scientific, economic, social and ethical issues, which must be taken into account if the genomic revolution is to benefit disadvantaged populations in the developing countries. In this regard, WHO has a special role to play in assisting its Member States to reap the full benefits from advances in genomics.