African-led study delivers one of the largest microbiome feedback initiatives
Researchers have developed and evaluated a feedback initiative, returning gut microbiome results from a landmark microbiome study to 778 women in South Africa and Kenya. The results came from the AWI-Gen 2 study published in Nature in 2025, the largest population-representative survey of African gut metagenomes conducted to date.
A groundbreaking African-led study has successfully returned individualized microbiome results to 778 women from South Africa and Kenya, marking one of the largest feedback initiatives in the field. The research, conducted as part of the AWI-Gen 2 study published in Nature in 2025, builds upon the AWI-Gen 2 survey, the largest global investigation of African gut microbiomes.
By returning the data to participants in their native languages through detailed educational materials and face-to-face sessions, researchers were able to explain complex microbiome information in an accessible manner. The study found that participants not only gained a better understanding of gut health but also expressed increased trust in the research process, with some even motivated to adopt healthier dietary habits, such as increasing their fiber intake.
This innovative approach showcases the importance of involving participants in research and returning results, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable scientific process.
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