Dr. Alimohamed will provide an overview of the current landscape and future prospects of integrating genetics into healthcare practices in Tanzania, beginning by outlining the existing healthcare infrastructure and genetic services available in the country. Next, Dr. Alimohamed will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced in implementing genetic testing, counseling, and treatment options within the Tanzanian healthcare system.
Furthermore, priority will be given to highlighting the importance of capacity building and training programs for healthcare professionals to effectively utilize genetic information in patient care. Plus, Dr. Alimohamed will also address the role of public awareness and education in fostering acceptance and understanding of genetic services among the Tanzanian population.
Throughout the presentation, there will emphasis on the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare institutions, and research organizations to establish sustainable genetic healthcare initiatives tailored to the specific needs of Tanzania. Finally, the talk will conclude with recommendations for future directions and strategies to accelerate the integration of genetics into Tanzanian healthcare, ultimately improving health outcomes and advancing precision medicine in the region.
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Dr. Mohamed Zahir Alimohamed is a distinguished Molecular Geneticist and Biomedical Scientist with an extensive academic and research background. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from Manipal University in India and a Master's degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from The University of Groningen in The Netherlands. Dr. Alimohamed earned his Ph.D. in medical genetics from the University Medical Centre Groningen, focusing on using next-generation sequencing to diagnose genetic diseases such as cardiomyopathy, spinocerebellar ataxia, cancer, and acute leukemia, along with its implementation strategies.
Currently serving as a postdoctoral fellow (Glocal) at both the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dr. Alimohamed holds the position of Lecturer and Biomedical Scientist at the Department of Biochemistry, MUHAS. Additionally, he is a Research Scientist at the Sickle Cell Programme, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at MUHAS, contributing significantly to the advancement of genetic research and treatment options in Tanzania. Dr. Alimohamed is deeply committed to pushing the genetics and genomics agenda in Tanzania.
His research interests encompass exploring diagnostic and curative options, such as gene editing and therapy, as advanced therapeutic treatments for patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Tanzania. He is also engaged in researching pharmacogenomics in African populations, antimicrobial resistance in Tanzanian communities, and the surveillance of rare genetic disorders in Tanzania.
In 2017, Dr. Alimohamed co-founded the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), where he currently serves as the General Secretary. This organization plays a pivotal role in advancing human genetics research and education in Tanzania. Furthermore, he is actively involved in students' project supervision and teaching activities in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics.
Dr. Alimohamed has expanded his impact by collaborating with institutions such as Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. He has held leadership roles as the Head of Research and Training at Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital and served as a ResearchConsultant at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, addressing non-communicable diseases.
His commitment to the global scientific community is evident through his involvement in various organizations, including being an Executive Board Member of the African Society of Human Genetics, a member of the Tanzania Genome Network, BOVA network, African Science Initiative, H3Africa, and the Genetics Society of America. Dr. Alimohamed also serves as an eLife Community Ambassador representing Europe and Africa and contributes as a health columnist for The Citizen, Medico Press, and Mahdi Health Initiative – White Coats Community Magazine.
