Wafaa M Rashed, Chair and Founder of Pan-African PGS Education and Research Initiative, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Expanding Access to Polygenic Score Education Across Africa. In September 2024, PAPERI proudly delivered the Basic Polygenic Score (PGS) Course, designed to strengthen foundational knowledge in genetics and genomics and advance PGS literacy across Africa.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of genetics and genomics.
- Grasp the basic concepts of polygenic scores (PGS).
- Learn the applications and limitations of PGS.
- Address Africa’s unique genetic diversity and research needs.
- Lay the foundation for collaborative research and ethical practice.
Due to limited funding, and with the generous permission of our instructors, PAPERI made this course freely available on our YouTube channel. This decision reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that everyone in Africa and beyond has the right to access essential knowledge on polygenic scores.
This initiative directly supports PAPERI’s mission:
“Our mission is to promote PGS literacy, facilitate collaborative research efforts, and advocate for ethical standards in genetic research across Africa. Through educational initiatives, strategic research partnerships, and proactive policy advocacy, we aim to empower African scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to harness PGS for precision medicine and public health advancements.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our outstanding instructors for their belief in PAPERI’s vision and their invaluable dedication of time and expertise:
- Dr. Wafaa M Rashed, BPharm. MSc., PhD, BCNSP M. Rashed.
- Dr. David Bogumil, PhD.
- Dr. Burcu Darst (Assistant Lecturer).
Their commitment has played a vital role in making this knowledge accessible to a wider community.
Today, this knowledge is available. The opportunity is open. The responsibility now lies with African scientists, researchers, and health professionals to learn, innovate, collaborate, and uplift their countries through science and evidence-based practice.
As Nelson Mandela reminded us:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Watch the full course lectures and Q/A sessions here. Together, let us transform access to knowledge into meaningful progress for Africa and the world.”
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