Prof. Lucy Gitonga Attends Inaugural Conference On Healthcare Workers In Genomics In South Africa

Prof. Lucy Gitonga, OGW, the Dean School of Nursing and Public Health recently attended the inaugural conference on the role of healthcare workers in genomics at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The event, held from July 8 to July 12, 2024, was organized by Prof. Martin Nyaga, a renowned professor of Genomics at the University of the Free State.

Prof. Gitonga delivered a presentation on July 8, 2024, focusing on the critical role of nurses and midwives in next-generation sequencing (NGS). Her talk emphasized the importance of NGS in identifying diseases such as cancer and COVID-19, highlighting the potential for significant advancements in healthcare.

During her trip, Prof. Gitonga had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Prof. Mwenda, the World Health Organization (WHO) lead from Sierra Leone. A key topic of their conversation was the potential establishment of a WHO Center for Child Health at Chuka University. This partnership if explored will play a vital role in improving child health outcomes in the region.

In an interview following the conference, Prof. Gitonga expressed her strong belief in the future of next-generation sequencing. “Next-generation sequencing is the way to go,” she stated. She also advocated for the inclusion of genomics as a dedicated health unit in the health curriculum, underscoring the essential roles that nurses and doctors play in preventive and promotive medicine.

The conference served as a valuable platform for Prof. Gitonga to share her expertise and collaborate with international colleagues, reinforcing the global commitment to advancing genomics in healthcare.