Malaysia’s own Dr Zilfalil Alwi, a professor and senior consultant in Paediatrics and Medical Genetics from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has been appointed as a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory Group on Genomics (TAG-G), USM announced on Tuesday (Sept 5).
This appointment is a significant recognition for Malaysia as Dr Zilfalil is the sole Malaysian representative among the 15 individuals appointed to the WHO advisory group in the field of genomics. Effective Aug 24, he will serve a two-year term on the advisory group.
Zilfalil Alwi
The newly established WHO Technical Advisory Group on Genomics (TAG-G) aims to support and provide technical guidance on activities related to genomic technology for global health. The group will review and recommend priority activities to accelerate access to genomics technology, including advocacy and technical initiatives.
Dr Zilfalil highlighted the various roles he will undertake as a member of the advisory group, particularly in the field of genomics development. He believes the establishment of TAG-G will have numerous benefits for the public and the country. In particular, it will boost global genomics and provide low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with access to the latest expertise and knowledge in genomics.
Through TAG-G, LMICs can enhance their capabilities in genomics-based research and medicine, enabling them to identify genetic risk factors for specific diseases and develop more personalized and effective treatments.
This strategic approach taken by TAG-G to review and recommend priority activities for launching access to genomic technology will not only benefit Malaysia, but also other countries worldwide, as it advances the healthcare sector. Malaysia, for instance, can address increasingly complex health challenges with a more holistic and up-to-date approach, ensuring the provision of more efficient and targeted healthcare and treatment.
Dr Zilfalil added that the advancements in genomic healthcare will create new job opportunities, enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness, and deliver economic benefits to the global community.
Source: Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
