Doing more for rare diseases with less: the Congolese model of implementation of genomic medicine in Limited-Income countries

Abstract

Genomic medicine involves genomic information of an individual at all stage of medical care. Although the concept of genomic medicine may sound complex and difficult to implement in the Limited-Income countries, the Centre for Human genetics and the Reference Center for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases of the University of Kinshasa have succeeded in implementing genomic medicine for rare diseases in the DR Congo. This was achieved thanks to research projects and philanthropy, and despite multiple challenges. Along the process, the challenges have led to challenge-driven innovations. The model developed here may be replicated in countries with similar limitations. Most importantly, the involvement of local government is needed to sustain and expand the progresses achieved thus far.