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I I

1 Book Review 1 I I

Genomics and World Health. Report of the Advi- sory Committee on Health Research. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2002. x + 248~~. Price Sw.fr.35/ US$31.50 (in developing countries Sw.fr.14). ISBN 92-4-154554-2.

The recent publication of the genome sequences of both Plasmodiunz falciparum and Anopheles gambiae has served to focus the debate on the impact of genomics on tropical diseases. It is often stated that there is a clear need to balance the enthusiasm for this cutting- edge scientific research with conventional public health measures. It is therefore timely that this publication on Genomics and World Health by the WHO Advisory Committee on Health Research is available. This book sets out many of the arguments in favour of genomics and its potential application, yet also tempers this with the related ethical, social and economic issues that need to be addressed.

The book begins with an introduction to basic genet- ics, molecular genetics and technologies such as micro- arrays and proteomics. The presentation style of this section is easy to read, and should prove an invaluable introduction for the non-specialist. A section on the influence of genomics on heath care follows where the issues explored include vaccine and drug development, communicable diseases, cancers, and multifactorial disease.

A key section deals with the ‘Relevance and Time- scale of Advances in Genomics to Global Health’. It is often argued that the field of genomics will take many

years to have any significant impact on heath care, and the authors underline the unpredictable nature of this research. However, a case is also made, and repeated in a later section, of the need for advocates of public health to ensure that the balance is maintained between epidemiology and clinical science on the one hand, and basic research on the other. This line of reasoning is continued in the section that deals with the potential of genomics for the health of developing countries. Perti- nent examples such as the inherited disorders of hae- moglobin and drug resistance in pathogens serve to highlight the quick-wins where genomics could have a relatively immediate impact. Long-term goals are shown by the steps being taken in Brazil, India, and China to set up centres of genomic research that could serve as models for others. However the fear remains that genomics will only aid to accelerate the gap be- tween health care in developed and developing coun- tries. The section on Justice and Resource allocation deals head-on with these aspects, and outlines many of the key problems facing developing countries in terms of research, intellectual property rights and database ownership.

At all stages the book is well written, using examples and anecdotes to explain many of the complex issues involved with this field of research. A must read for anyone interested in this field.

Veterinary Laboratories Agency Woodham Lane New Haw Surrey KTl.5 3NB, UK

Stephen Gordon