Page 116 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

In celebration of 30 years of
democracy in South Africa

As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, the
Genomics Platform commits to continuing to drive
precision medicine to benefit all South Africans.
Cost remains a barrier to genetics services for most
South Africans, so we will develop innovative ways
to make NGS more affordable. Furthermore, we
commit to research aligned with National health
priorities. We further commit to be at the forefront
of South Africa's response to the 2022 WHO's
guidelines on genomics implementation. We are
positioned to make key contributions within three of
the four broad themes of the "Accelerating access
to genomics for global health" report.

Additionally, we aim to continue the promotion Mr Thabede being trained on how to
of genomics through advocacy: Based on the load the new MGI-G99 sequencer.
number of samples sequenced and committed for
2024 and beyond, the SGP is a key driver of NGS in
the South African market. Our membership in the and postgraduate students and provide equipment
DIPLOMICS network of service laboratories allows and infrastructure to train South African NGS
us to engage with NGS providers and funders to professionals. As a DIPLOMICS partner laboratory,
improve market access. the SGP fosters good relationships with other
DIPLOMICS laboratories to enable genomics
As one of South Africa's leading NGS laboratories, research in South Africa. This network encourages
we identify and overcome barriers to genomics collaboration between partner laboratories, and we
implementation. We train research technologists conduct our business with this in mind.

Dr Viraragavan engaging with students during the Generation Science job shadowing programme.

114 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24