Kuala Lumpur — A new regional alliance aimed at improving rare disease diagnosis, treatment, and research across the Asia-Pacific was launched on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.
Named the Human Genome Project II Rare Disease Alliance of the Asia-Pacific Region (HGP2 RaDiAnce-APAC), the initiative brings together experts and policymakers from 10 countries, including India, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Pakistan.
The launch event saw participation from leading clinicians, genomics researchers, and public health representatives who discussed ways to enhance cooperation in tackling rare diseases across the region.
Co-initiated by China’s BGI Group along with regional partners, the alliance aims to improve collaboration in rare disease diagnosis, genomics research, healthcare capacity building, and public health response. It also seeks to address challenges such as limited diagnostic infrastructure, unequal access to precision medicine, and the lack of common standards and knowledge-sharing mechanisms in the Asia-Pacific region.
During the event, member countries signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to working together to advance rare disease care.
Nor Fariza Binti Ngah, Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support) at Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, stressed the importance of stronger regional cooperation in addressing rare diseases.
Professor Zilfalil Bin Alwi, a medical genetics expert from Universiti Sains Malaysia, said the alliance’s inclusive and diverse participation highlights the significance of the initiative.
Hou Yong, General Manager of BGI Genomics, noted that the platform would help promote standardised, technology-driven, and more accessible rare disease diagnosis and treatment across the region.
Professor Thong Meow Keong of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman added that the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly advancing research in genetic technology and precision public health under the HGP2 framework. He expressed hope that genetic technologies and artificial intelligence would transform healthcare systems dealing with rare diseases in the years ahead.
WIth inputs from IANS