Local Genome Platform to Cuts Cost of Overseas DNA Testing
The Namibia University of Science and Technology has installed the country's first high-throughput genome sequencing platform. This development aims to reduce reliance on overseas laboratories and foster local research in healthcare and biotechnology.
Why it matters
Localizing genomic sequencing capabilities allows developing nations to retain scientific data and tailor medical treatments to their specific population genetic diversity.
Namibia has started building local capacity to sequence human DNA after the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) installed the country’s first high-throughput genome sequencing platform.
This development is expected to reduce reliance on overseas laboratories and create opportunities for research, healthcare and biotechnology.
The Illumina NextSeq 2000 platform, installed at NUST, allows researchers to conduct advanced DNA and RNA sequencing in Namibia.
The university said the technology could reduce the time and costs associated with sending samples abroad while allowing researchers to retain and analyse more scientific data locally.
Lamech Mwapagha, Associate Professor of Medical Biochemistry at NUST, said the investment changes the economics and pace of genomic research in the country.
“Having the country’s first high-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform represents a defining moment for scientific research in Namibia,” Mwapagha said.
Adding that the country now has capacity to do sequencing locally.
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