Strengthening Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine in Colombia: Progress, Challenges, and Strategic Opportunities

Colombia, an upper-middle-income country with over 52 million inhabitants, has made significant progress in consolidating medical genetics as a clinical specialty, with a growing presence in healthcare system, public health and academia. The development of specialized training programs, the establishment of a professional association, and the inclusion of genetic tests and treatments for rare diseases (RDs) within the health system have been key achievements. Birth defects (BD) remain one of the leading causes of infant morbidity and mortality, and alongside RDs, are recognized as public health priorities. Among regulatory milestones, the Newborn Screening (NBS) Law has strengthened early diagnosis efforts. Nevertheless, operational challenges persist, particularly in the nationwide implementation of genetic services, which remain concentrated in urban centers, creating significant gaps in rural areas. While technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) are increasingly available in the private sector, a persistent fragmentation between molecular diagnosis and clinical care limits their impact. Furthermore, interoperability with health information systems is limited, and the country's low density of medical geneticists restricts service availability. The Colombian experience underscores the value of institutional coordination, investment in diagnostic infrastructure, and the active role of patient organizations. Despite existing challenges, regional cooperation within Latin America emerges as a strategic opportunity to strengthen medical genetics and expand access for populations affected by RDs and complex genetic conditions.