The Tanzania Human Genetics Organisation (THGO) is a non-profit organisation whose main goal is to coordinate human genetics research and activities in Tanzania in order to generate knowledge and recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of genetic disease and the promotion of health.

Formerly known as the Tanzania Society of Human Genetics (TSHG), the organisation was inaugurated during the 6th Tanzania Health Summit (THS 2019) on 28th November 2019 at Dodoma, Tanzania and it was registered in 2021. Founded on the principles of scientific excellence, ethical conduct, and community engagement, THGO is at the forefront of research, disease diagnosis, education, and advocacy in the field of human genetics.

Vision

A healthy community that utilizes human genetic information and services with zero mortality and morbidity rates.

Mission

Coordinate and enhance human genetics research, services, and related activities in the community in order to generate knowledge and recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of genetic diseases and the promotion of health.

Objectives

• Research in human genetics: Bringing together scientists working on human genetics and related disciplines in Tanzania into a network to expand research in human genetics.
• Increasing awareness: Increasing awareness of human genetics and genomic research in Tanzania and promoting the development of effective public policy in the field.
• Knowledge translation: Promoting the translation of genetic knowledge into clinical practice throughout Tanzania.
• Collaboration: Integrating the work of the Tanzanian Human Genetics Organisation with the activities of other related societies and networks with similar mission and vision in Tanzania.
• Genomic technologies: Promoting access to relevant genomic technologies and ethical conduct in human genetics research in Tanzania.
• Capacity building: Increasing avenues of research collaboration with relevant stakeholders and promoting human capacity building in human genetics in Tanzania.
• Excellence in human genetics: Establishing centers of excellence in human genomic sciences in Tanzania.
• Genetic diseases: Enhancing national, regional, and international collaborations for early detection, prevention and management of genetic diseases affecting the human body.
• Training: Training of Tanzanian researchers and clinical geneticists in the promotion of control and management of different human genetic conditions.

Areas of work

Research: Coordination of human genetics research through various initiatives, including mapping of existing genetic research initiatives and resources, identifying timely research gaps, fostering national and international research collaborations, proposing national and regional research initiatives, and development of research outputs such as research articles, policy briefs, and innovations.

Training: Implementation and facilitation of both short and long term training programmes with a goal of building capacity for different cadres such as healthcare personnel, biomedical scientists, researchers, data scientists and policy makers on human genetics and related fields.

Advocacy: Working closely with the patient communities and other partners to raise awareness of human genetics and related activities through advocacy at community, national, and international levels. The society utilises different platforms and approaches, including social media, radio, television, awareness campaigns, and formal meetings and programmes.

Diagnostics: Development of a diagnostic framework that highlights existing diagnostic services and involved partners so as to assist with correct channeling of patients. The organisation also works to identify existing diagnostic gaps and how these can be addressed through different partners.

Therapeutics: Identify relevant therapeutic needs for genetic disorders and how genetics can be utilised for drugs and gene therapy discoveries. The organisation also works to understand pharmacogenomics of different drugs so as to enhance personalised medicine.