The Academy of Medical Sciences (ACADMEDS) has called for integration of genetic testing, genomic research and precision medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system to improve prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases.
The academy said the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) required a shift towards personalised healthcare approaches, supported by locally generated scientific evidence and improved diagnostic infrastructure.
It made the call in a communique issued on Saturday in Lagos after its 2026 Annual Scientific Conference, with the theme: “Genetics and Genomics of Non-Communicable Diseases: Integrating Science into Clinical Care”.
The communique noted that although Africa possessed the highest human genetic diversity globally, people of African ancestry accounted for only 1.1 per cent of participants in global Genome-Wide Association Studies.
It stressed the importance of expanding African-led genomic research, noting that findings from Nigerian and other African populations had identified genetic variations associated with diabetes, kidney diseases, high cholesterol and breast cancer.
“Global risk models cannot be applied locally without African-led validation,” the academy stated, highlighting the need for research that reflects the genetic diversity of African populations.
The academy also advocated integrated management of cardio-renal-metabolic conditions, particularly Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases, describing them as interconnected conditions driven by common metabolic factors.
It warned that treating the conditions separately could delay early intervention and increase complications, recommending multidisciplinary cardio-renal-metabolic clinics across tertiary and secondary healthcare institutions.
The communique explained that genetic variations could influence individuals’ responses to medications, potentially increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions and ineffective treatment.
“Genotype-guided prescribing improves medication safety across cardiovascular, oncologic and metabolic conditions,” it stated, recommending wider adoption of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice.
The academy called for the integration of genetic testing, genetic counselling, pharmacogenomics and targeted therapies into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) benefits package to improve equitable access to precision medicine.
It also recommended routine screening at primary healthcare facilities, including blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index and kidney function assessments, to identify early disease risks.
On oral health, it urged stronger collaboration between medical and dental professionals, noting that certain dental and gum abnormalities could provide early indications of inherited disorders and cancer predispositions.
The academy reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, research institutions and development partners to advance precision medicine, strengthen local research capacity and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria and Africa.
“Translating cutting-edge genomic discoveries into clinical practice requires targeted biomedical investments, interdisciplinary healthcare integration and sustained policy leadership,” the communique said.(NAN)
