African
Genomic
Variations:
The next frontier in genetic research
Africa has the largest diversity in human genomes and harbours some of the most ancient human genome sequences and studying African genomes could be relevant for other world populations. However, African populations, have been largely understudied.
GeneMAP Research Center: Enabling Precision Medicine in Africa
The GeneMAP research center focusses on gene hunting, multidisciplinary training of Geneticists in Africa, ethics of genomics and emerging health technologies, public engagement in biomedicne, sickle cell disease, hearing impairment, rare diseases.
A word from Prof. Wonkam
“Growing Africa’s genetic ‘library of life”
The untapped potential of DNA technology to significantly boost healthcare in Africa, including the acceleration of diagnosis and treatment of threats like HIV and tuberculosis, substantiates the urgent need for focused investment in genomics.
That was the appeal from Professor Ambroise Wonkam, director of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Genetic Medicine of African Populations (GeneMAP) research centre, when he delivered the first Vice-Chancellor’s Inaugural Lecture for 2019 this week.
What we do
Centre of excellence
Serve as a research and knowledge base for genetic/genomic medicine activities in Africa; aiming to generate genomic information to develop more appropriate diagnosis tools and treatments applicable to the genetic makeup of the African and South African populations.
Advocacy for best practices
Capture and disseminate best practices for genetic/genomic medicine (including clinical genetics, genetics testing, genetic counselling, genetic education, Pharmacogenomics in medical informatics and bioinformatics).
Multi-disciplinary approach
Develop interdisciplinary research programs in genetic/genomic Medicine (Medical Genetics Genetic counselling, Laboratory and Molecular Genetics, Bioinformatics and Big data and computing, Ethical and Legal and Social Issues – ELSI).
Capacity building
Develop opportunities for national and regional genomic medicine through training initiatives, mentorship programmes, workshops/seminars and research projects (implementation and outcomes research and community engagement).
Our Projects
The Sickle In Africa consortium aims to facilitate research in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the subsequent translation of this research into healthcare and health outcomes. Sickle in Africa is made up of three initiatives : Sickle Africa Data Coordinating Center (SADaCC), Sickle Pan-African Research Consortium (SPARCO) and Sickle Cell Pan African Network (SPAN).
Youtube
The Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate Consortium ( MADCaP) study has identified three gene loci with strong associations to prostate cancer incidence among African men. The researchers were particularly looking for associations with aggressive cancer.…
That's a wrap on the #AfSHG2025 conference!
What an inspiring 4 days filled with learning, research, networking and a vibrant exchange of ideas on ‘Harnessing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for African Genomics’
Please stay in touch and we hope to see you soon! 🧬🌍🇺🇬
Published Academic Articles
Over the years we have published some of the important findings in our research.
Click on the link below to access any of our publications currently available
Resources
June 19, 2023
This resource guide has been created to provide families, who have members that are hard of hearing or Deaf, with information and contact details for various organisations, schools and other facilities that are aimed at serving the Deaf community.
June 19, 2023
This resource guide provides hearing impaired and hard of hearing individual(s), families and the public with basic information and contact details of different organizations, schools, and other facilities that offers supporti11e and assisti11e services to the Deaf community in Ghana.
June 19, 2023
The reason for doing this study is to find the genes with changes that cause hearing impairment in people from Africa, and to better understand how these genes affect hearing in African populations.
February 1, 2023
HI-Genes Africa have created a short video on facts about hearing loss. Did you know these things? Help to spread awarenes. #DeafAwarenessAfrica
Latest News and Events
Our Staff
Our Students
Funders
