LocationsIn the heart of Manado, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Indonesian Ministry of Health have embarked on a pioneering journey, steering the nation's healthcare landscape into Eastern Indonesia territories through the Biomedical and Genomic Science Initiative, a transformative force poised to redefine the future of Indonesia’s public health landscape.
Eastern Indonesia Advances Healthcare with UNDP-supported Bioinformatics Initiative
February 5, 2024
Norimasa Shimomura, the Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia, is overseeing the operational utilization of the Whole Genome Sequencing laboratory facilities procured by UNDP at Sam Ratulangi University in Manado.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Indonesian Ministry of Health are spearheading a new era of healthcare through the Biomedical and Genomic Science Initiative. This initiative, launched in 2022, is set to revolutionize the country's health system by leveraging biomedical and genomic science to enhance disease surveillance, identification, and precision medicine tailored to individual patients.
Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia, Norimasa Shimomura, stated, “Through this collaborative effort, the Whole Genome Sequencing Lab facilities are expected to accelerate the realization of evidence-based health policies through genomic studies and surveillance in the field of public health.”
The initiative has equipped 17 Whole Genome Sequencing Laboratories across Indonesia with the necessary tools and reagents, with plans to expand to 29 labs. The focus on capacity building, encompassing both human resources and infrastructure, has set the stage for a transformative impact on healthcare in the region. The Biomolecular Laboratory at Sam Ratulangi University has emerged as a key player in this initiative. As the only laboratory in the Whole Genome Sequencing network supported by the Ministry of Health in Manado, it has successfully utilized the provided equipment and reagents to produce the third batch of Whole Genome Sequencing and corresponding data reporting.
"With the pace of change of knowledge and the emergence of new technologies, it's crucial that we continue to learn. Generating genomic data evidence will allow policymakers to make well informed decisions on whether and how whole genome sequencing could be rolled out as part of a future genome screening program. " said dProf. Dr. Ir. Oktovian Berty Alexander Sompie, M.Eng, IPU, ASEAN.Eng, the Rector of Sam Ratulangi University.
A laboratory biologist generating whole genome sequencing data at the Biomolecular Laboratory facility of Sam Ratulangi University in Manado.
Moreover, the laboratory's proficiency in Whole Genome Sequencing has been officially recognized by the Health Development Policy Agency of the Ministry of Health, earning it a certification of expertise. The expansion of the Laboratory Network is instrumental in fostering data sharing and knowledge generation. By creating a network of laboratories across the country, the initiative promotes a comprehensive approach to public health interventions through data-driven decision-making processes. The emphasis on precision biomedical genomics holds the promise of revolutionizing disease diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving individual health outcomes and fortifying the resilience of the healthcare system.
As Sam Ratulangi University becomes the third location on the initiative's agenda, its Biomolecular Laboratory stands as a testament to the success of the collaborative efforts between the UNDP and the Ministry of Health in Indonesia. The strides made in Whole Genome Sequencing and the laboratory's recognition underscore the potential for transformative change in healthcare delivery, marking a significant step forward in the nation's journey towards a more robust and responsive health system.