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Overcoming colonialism in pathogen genomics
Senjuti Saha1, Yogesh Hooda1, Gathsaurie Neelika Malavige2
1Child Health Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
Decolonizing pathogen genomics is crucial for global health equity. Equitable collaboration and capacity-strengthening are needed for researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to gain autonomy and improve global health security.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Global Health
- Postcolonial Studies
Background:
- Colonialism's historical legacies continue to shape global scientific knowledge distribution and control.
- The field of pathogen genomics is currently dominated by high-income countries (HICs), limiting equitable participation.
- Researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face significant challenges in achieving autonomy in pathogen genomics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the imperatives for decolonizing pathogen genomics.
- To highlight the need for equitable representation, collaboration, and capacity-strengthening in pathogen genomics.
- To explore pathways and challenges for LMIC researchers seeking autonomy in this field.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative discussion based on historical analysis and current field dynamics.
- Case examples from LMICs illustrating research pathways and challenges.
- Literature review on colonialism, scientific knowledge, and global health.
Main Results:
- Pathogen genomics remains concentrated in HICs, reflecting historical power imbalances.
- LMICs possess valuable local expertise and resources crucial for inclusive genomics.
- Decolonization requires shared responsibilities between HICs and LMICs for equitable advancement.
Conclusions:
- A decolonized approach to pathogen genomics is essential for scientific growth and innovation.
- Inclusive, globally collaborative efforts strengthen global health security.
- Empowering all nations with pathogen genomics tools is vital for responding to health crises.
Abstract:
Historical legacies of colonialism affect the distribution and control of scientific knowledge today, including within the pathogen genomics field, which remains dominated by high-income countries (HICs). We discuss the imperatives for decolonising pathogen genomics, including the need for more equitable representation, collaboration, and capacity-strengthening, and the shared responsibilities that both low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and HICs have in this endeavour. By highlighting examples from LMICs, we illuminate the pathways and challenges that researchers in LMICs face in the bid to gain autonomy in this crucial domain. Recognising the inherent value of local expertise and resources, we argue for a more inclusive, globally collaborative approach to pathogen genomics. Such an approach not only fosters scientific growth and innovation, but also strengthens global health security by equipping all nations with the tools needed to respond to health crises.
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