In this episode of ByteSight, Prof. Segun Fatumo explains why Africa’s genomic diversity is central to both understanding human evolution and shaping the future of global health. He reminds us that while most genomic research has focused on European populations, Africa remains the most genetically diverse continent, and excluding it means missing discoveries that could benefit everyone.
Meet Prof. Segun Fatumo
Prof. Fatumo is Professor and Chair of Genomic Diversity at Queen Mary University of London and Head of NCD Genomics at the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. He has led landmark studies such as the first GWAS of cardiometabolic traits in Africa and the first GWAS of kidney function in continental African populations. He also directs the Uganda Genome Resource, co-leads the Nigeria NCD-GHS Consortium, and co-directs KidneyGenAfrica. For his advocacy in making genomics more inclusive, he received the prestigious MRC Impact Prize.
Why African Diversity Matters
As Prof. Fatumo stresses, Africa is the origin of modern humans and the most genetically diverse population in the world. This diversity holds countless genetic variants that remain undiscovered, many of which could play critical roles in disease prevention and treatment. He illustrates this with the case of PCSK9 inhibitors: cholesterol-lowering drugs that exist today because Africans were included in the original research. Without their inclusion, millions more lives may have been lost to preventable heart disease.
Trust and Equity
He also addresses a crucial barrier: trust. For decades, African samples were taken abroad, sometimes without consent, leading to a legacy of exploitation. This history has made scientists and communities protective of their data. Prof. Fatumo argues that genuine, equitable partnerships, where African researchers retain agency, are properly credited, and communities see real benefits, are essential to rebuilding trust and making data sharing possible.
A Call for Action
Prof. Fatumo urges pharmaceutical companies to make advanced treatments, such as gene-editing therapies for sickle cell disease, affordable worldwide. He also calls on African governments to invest directly in research, instead of relying almost entirely on funding from Europe and the US. Without local investment, he warns, Africa will continue to be underrepresented in the very science most relevant to its people.
Final Takeaway
“We are in the era of precision medicine and one size fits all does not work. Africa is the most genetically diverse population in the world, so we cannot just treat Africa as one population.”
As Prof. Segun Fatumo emphasized, the future of healthcare will only be meaningful if technology is built on principles of diversity, trust, and equity, ensuring that discoveries truly benefit all populations.
