Less than two percent of human genome sequencing worldwide comes from African populations.
In an article in rfi, scientists are calling for more investment in genome research across Africa, which remains one of the most under-studied regions.
Professor of genetic medicine, Ambroise Wonkam, who leads the African Society of Human Genetics, said: 'If we don't know which genes are the most important in terms of diagnosing genetic diseases in African populations, it is impossible for me, as a medical geneticist, to treat an African child in the same way as I treat a European child.'