WHO to promote genetic services

Staff of WHO and the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics, a newly appointed WHO Collaborating Centre, have outlined a strategy for promoting genetic services with special emphasis on developing countries. The plan includes strengthening the human genetics programme in WHO; developing medical genetic services, such as the prevention and control of genetically caused conditions; enhancing the ethics capacity of developing countries with regard to genetics; and supporting the establishment of undergraduate and graduate study programmes in this area.

The recommendations are the result of discussions held on 9 and 10 April in Toronto. Further information can be found at www.who.int/ncd/hgn