Course weekly schedule / Community genetics - Course files

Training Course in Sexual and Reproductive Health Research 2016

Community genetics

Module coordinator: Hanan Hamamy

The aim of the module is to educate health care providers in developing countries on feasible public health approaches addressing community care and prevention of congenital disorders. The module presents the basic principles and application of genetic counselling at the primary health care level with emphasis on the importance of informed reproductive choices. The goal of community genetic services is to reduce the burden of congenital disorders on individuals, families and the community. The module would also include basic knowledge on research methodologies to highlight the importance of collecting and analysing data that establishes a baseline situation analysis of the frequencies and types of congenital disorders in the country, the problems encountered and solutions proposed.

Community genetic services intend to provide individuals and couples with simple scientific information allowing them to maximize the chances to have healthy progeny. Community genetic services are best integrated within the community reproductive health services, preferably at the primary health care level in developing countries so as to reach all those in need with equity and efficiency.

Module content

• Introduction to the module of community genetics

Principles of human genetics

• Introduction to basic human genetics
• Unifactorial or single gene disorders
• Basic human genetics: reproductive health and chromosome abnormalities
• Multifactorial or polygenic inheritance

Principles of genetic counselling

• Genetic counseling
• Consanguinity and counseling consanguineous couples
• Ethical issues in medical genetics and genetic services

Strategies for the prevention and care of congenital disorders

• Community genetic services in LMIC: impediments, needs and proposed strategies
• Preconception care
• Primary prevention of congenital disorders: avoidance of teratogens
• Introduction to prenatal genetic screening and diagnosis
• Epidemiology, care and prevention of hemoglobinopathies

Research

• Research priorities in integrating community genetic services in health care settings
• Scientific research writing for publication: steps for novice writers

Assignment

Based on the WHO report WHO. Community genetics services: report of a WHO consultation on community genetics in low- and middle-income countries. Geneva: WHO; 2010, the participants are required to write an assignment on:

1. A situation analysis of the rates of common congenital disorders and the available community genetic services in the country.
2. The factors that contribute to the prevalence of congenital disorders and the current impediments that are limiting community genetic services in their country.

Module validation

In order to validate this module the participants are required to submit a paper work assignment of 5 pages.

Contact person

Professor Hanan Hamamy
Module coordinator
hananhamamy@yahoo.com