Community Genetics in Developing Countries

To date, studies on human genetic disorders have mainly been conducted on populations living in developed countries, and the results reflect their contemporary disease profiles. An equivalent assessment of the impact of genetic disorders on the health of people in developing countries has not been possible, largely because of the ongoing toll imposed by major endemic and epidemic diseases. However, with improvements in general living standards and successful preventive campaigns to control infectious diseases in virtually all developing counties, the effects of genetic disorders have become increasingly obvious, especially where sophisticated diagnostic facilities have been established