January 12, 2020, 14:45 - 15:20
The Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) is a national project promoting the implementation of precision medicine in Qatar. The project is designed around on a comprehensive strategy involving drafting regulations and policies; encouraging research partnerships; establishing a national genomic data network; building local human capacity; and facilitating the integration of genomics into the healthcare system.
The project’s pilot phase was launched in September 2015, with the goal of revealing the key features of the Qatari genome map and have so far sequenced more than 16,000 whole genomes. QGP has been promoting genomic research in Qatar through research grants in addition to encouraging multicenter research teams to mine the data being produced. QGP is also taking the lead in building local human capacity through its internship programs, workshops and symposia, as well as new graduate programs in genomic medicine and genetic counseling in collaboration with local universities. Additionally, QGP conducted nationwide benchmarking surveys to measure public, professional and decision makers’ views and perceptions on genomic medicine. The results of these surveys would help us tailor the next stages of the program around the specific needs of the local community.
The focus of the QGP in the coming years will shift towards facilitating the introduction of more genomic practices into the clinical health care in Qatar. Strong partnerships are in place with the main stakeholders and model projects are already underway to demonstrate the impact of genomics at the clinical end. This presentation will highlight all efforts made by QGP to pave the way towards more implementation of precision medicine in Qatar.