The World Health Organization (WHO) has come out with a new global analysis that shows there are major equity gaps in human genomics research, especially between rich and poorer countries. The study looked at more than 30 years of clinical research registered from 1990 to 2024 and gives the most complete picture so far of how genomic technologies are used in health studies around the world.
According to the report, genomics research has grown fast over the years, with over 6,500 studies registered worldwide. The increase was especially visible after 2010 as sequencing tech got better, costs went down, and more clinical uses were found. Most of these studies focus on cancer and rare diseases, where genomics has become very common.
But the report also points out a big imbalance in where these studies happen and who they include. More than 80% of genomic clinical studies were done in high-income countries, while less than 5% took place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many poorer countries only joined as secondary sites because they lack strong sequencing facilities and research support.
The analysis also found the research doesn’t cover all groups equally. Over 75% of studies looked at adults aged 18–64, yet only a small share focused on children (4.6%) or older adults (3.3%). Studies on infectious diseases — still a major health problem in many places — were very few, making up just about 3% of the total.
Experts say this shows that genomic research isn’t reflecting the needs of all populations equally. To fix this, the WHO report recommends more investment in genomic infrastructure in under-represented regions, better inclusion of different age groups and social groups, stronger leadership from LMICs, and aligning research with local health needs.
Dr. Meg Doherty from WHO’s Department of Science for Health said that although genomic tech has huge potential to change health outcomes, these disparities could make the gap between countries even worse if they aren’t corrected. WHO says it will help support efforts so genomic research benefits people everywhere, not just the well-resourced.
