Tue Dec 30 14:30:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report analyzing global trends in human genomics research between 1990 and 2024. While genomic research has increased significantly since 2010, particularly in cancer and rare diseases, the report reveals significant disparities in geographic location, age demographics, and disease focus. The vast majority of studies are concentrated in high-income countries, with limited representation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Children, older adults, and communicable diseases are also underrepresented. The WHO calls for coordinated global action to promote more inclusive, diverse, and context-responsive genomic research to ensure health equity for all populations.
News Article:
WHO Report Reveals Stark Inequalities in Global Genomics Research
Geneva, Switzerland – October 26, 2025 – A new World Health Organization (WHO) report exposes critical disparities in the global landscape of human genomics research. Analyzing over 6,500 clinical studies registered between 1990 and 2024, the report, titled “Human genomics technologies in clinical studies – the research landscape,” highlights a boom in genomic research, particularly since 2010. However, it also reveals a stark imbalance in who benefits from these advancements.
The analysis found that over 80% of genomic clinical studies are conducted in high-income countries, while less than 5% take place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In many cases, LMICs are relegated to secondary study sites, hampered by limited sequencing capabilities and research infrastructure.
“This imbalance is deeply concerning,” stated a WHO spokesperson. “Genomics holds immense potential to improve health outcomes globally, but its benefits are not being equitably distributed.”
Beyond geographic disparities, the report also uncovered significant demographic gaps. More than 75% of studies focused on adults aged 18-64, while only 4.6% specifically involved children and 3.3% older adults. Moreover, communicable diseases, which disproportionately affect LMICs, accounted for a mere 3% of all genomic clinical studies. Cancer and rare diseases are dominant in the current research landscape.
The WHO is calling for urgent global action to address these inequalities. Key recommendations include increased investment in research capacity in underrepresented regions, improved demographic inclusion in study design, and aligning genomic research with the specific health needs of diverse populations.
“Ensuring that genomics benefits all populations requires a coordinated and concerted effort,” the WHO spokesperson added. “We must prioritize inclusive, geographically diverse, and context-responsive research to truly unlock the potential of genomics for global health equity.”
The report and its accompanying interactive dashboard are available on the WHO website. The dashboard allows users to explore the data further and gain a deeper understanding of the trends and gaps in human genomics research worldwide.
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