Genetics and genomic medicine in the Philippines

Abstract

Genetics and genomic medicine in the Philippines.

Randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of web‐based Genomics Nursing Education Intervention for undergraduate nursing students: a study protocol

“…In Finland, use of genomic data is well positioned as Finnish biobank laws are very progressive and supportive in scientific fields (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, 2015). In the Philippines, many genetics–genomics services are available and delivered to the whole country which makes it one of the most active countries in Southeast Asia with respect to genetics and genomics (Padilla & Cutiongco‐de la Paz, 2016).…”

Training in clinical genetics and genetic counseling in Asia

“…With the increasing awareness of the significant contribution of genetics to various diseases, the Clinical Genetics Fellowship Program has expanded to providing prenatal counseling services for pregnancies at high risk for birth defects as well as risk assessment and genetic counseling for patients with cancer and their families. To increase accessibility to genetics clinical services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas of the country, the fellows are also trained to participate in providing tele‐genetics services (Padilla & Cutiongco‐de la Paz, ).…”

“…They provide lectures to parents and other health professionals for a better understanding of the genetic disorders and its impact to the patient, the family and society in general. Geneticists and parent groups join hands in lobbying with government offices for better access and benefits for the concerned population of patients (Padilla & Cutiongco‐de la Paz, , ). To date, 11 fellows have successfully graduated from the program and are practicing the subspecialty of Genetics in three major cities of the country, that is, Manila, Cebu, and Davao.…”

“…Prenatal diagnosis is only offered in a limited capacity in a few private institutions. Some genetic tests such as newborn screening and chromosomal studies are available from and delivered to the whole country by the Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila (Padilla & Cutiongco‐de la Paz, ). Clinical genetics modules are taught as part of syllabus for undergraduates in medical school.…”

Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics (APSHG) from conception to 2019: 13 years of collaboration to tackle congenital malformation and genetic disorders in Asia

“…Neonatal jaundice and kernicterus associated with G6PD deficiency was the leading cause of death for infants in many countries like Singapore until the introduction of neonatal population screening programs which significantly reduced this disease burden (Wong, ). Nonetheless, the burden of congenital disorders in this region was still significant with an estimated prevalence of 52.9 per 1,000 livebirths with single gene disorders contributing towards more than 10% of birth defects while chromosomal disorders and malformations accounting for about 4–5% and 63%, respectively (Padilla & Cutiongco‐de la Paz, ). Among the monogenic disorders, thalassemias also pose a significant disease burden in many countries in Southeast Asia (Fucharoen & Winichagoon, ).…”