Genomic medicine must reduce, not compound, health inequities: the case for hauora-enhancing genomic resources for New Zealand
Stephen P Robertson, Jennie Harr Hindmarsh, Sarah Berry, Vicky A Cameron, Murray P Cox, Ofa Dewes, Robert N Doughty, George Gray, Jessie C Jacobsen, Albert Laurence, Elizabeth Matisoo-Smith, Susan Morton, Andrew N Shelling, Dianne Sika-Paotonu, Anna Rolleston, Jonathan R Skinner, Russell G Snell, Andrew Sporle, Cristin Print, Tony R Merriman, Maui Hudson, Philip Wilcox
The genomes of people living in Aotearoa are derived from populations that have disparate and distinct ancestries. As genomic medicine increases in its reach and significance, the accurate and equitable interpretation of genetic variation in the healthcare context is critical. Misinterpretation or inaccurate analysis of genetic data by using datasets mismatched to the populations being studied or served has contributed to disparities in health outcomes elsewhere, such in the US and Canada. We suggest that this will become a significant problem in Aotearoa unless an appropriate and relevant understanding of our genomic diversity is established. Aotearoa New Zealand needs to assemble a genomic resource for use in healthcare settings to aid in the accurate interpretation of genomic data for all New Zealanders, most especially for Mori and Pacific peoples.
