WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Genomics Meets for the First Time
The TAG-G will convene twice–thrice a year, at least once in person, to collaborate and drive the mission
The newly established WHO Technical Advisory Group on Genomics (TAG-G) held its first meeting, in Geneva on October 5–6.
The TAG-G is composed of experts acting in their personal capacity, from various technical areas relevant to genomics and from all the WHO regions. The meeting was an opportunity for the TAG-G members to meet in person for the first time, to discuss with colleagues from relevant departments at the WHO in Geneva and regional offices, and to share their perspectives and visions on the work ahead.
During the meeting, Iscia Lopes-Cendes, MD, PhD, professor of medical genetics and head of the laboratory of molecular genetics at the Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, was formally appointed as the group chair for the first term.
In its capacity as an advisory body to the WHO Secretariat, the TA-G will have the following functions, as per its terms of reference:
Provide technical guidance on activities to accelerate access to genomics technologies for global health
Recommend priority activities to accelerate access to genomics technologies for global health, including promotion and advocacy in addition to technical activities
Contribute to efforts in convening discussions to develop genomics-related guidance and reports
Bring attention to regional and sub-regional opportunities and experiences in genomics
Contribute to assessing progress in accelerating access to genomics for global health
The group decided to form working groups around specific focus themes relevant to genomics: data sharing; equity; economics; engagement with private sector; workforce capacity; communication and advocacy.
- This press release was originally published on the World Health Organization website