{
  "id": 17313225,
  "title": "Medical Academy urges FG to fund genomic research",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/medical-academy-urges-fg-to-fund-genomic-research-17313225",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-31T00:48:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/medical-academy-urges-fg-to-fund-genomic-research/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to increase funding for biomedical research in order to develop affordable treatments for diseases and prepare the country for future pandemics. This call was made during the Academy's 2026 Annual Scientific Conference, which took place at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos State. The conference focused on the theme \"The Genetics and Genomics of Non-Communicable Diseases: Integrating Science Into Clinical Care.\"\n\nDuring his keynote address, Azeez Butali, the Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Iowa, emphasized the significant economic and medical benefits of government investment in the Human Genome Project. He stressed that every dollar invested in the project generated about $141 in returns, and highlighted the need for Nigeria to invest in biomedical research to develop affordable treatments for diseases like sickle cell disease. Butali also noted that research funding would encourage young scientists to pursue careers in the field.\n\nMoreover, Butali urged the government to invest in vaccine development and biomedical research to reduce the impact of diseases and prepare Nigeria for future outbreaks. He warned that without adequate investment in these areas, Nigeria could face challenges in responding to future disease outbreaks.\n\nIn her presentation, titled \"Genetics and Genomics of Breast Cancer: Lessons from Accra,\" Lily Paemka, an Associate Professor of Human Genetics and Genomics at the University of Ghana, recommended greater inclusion of African genomes in genetic studies. She pointed out that research in the field remains significantly concentrated among Caucasian populations, with only about two percent involving black populations. Paemka emphasized the need for greater public awareness of cancer, noting that late presentation and aggressive forms of some cancers contribute to poor survival rates. She called for increased public engagement and education, urging people to recognize that cancer is a disease, not a curse, and to debunk the myths and misconceptions surrounding it.",
  "summary": "The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has urged the FG to fund genomic research to develop affordable treatments, prepare for pandemics, and boost hea Read More: https://punchng.com/medical-academy-urges-fg-to-fund-genomic-research/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}