BGI Genomics joins HGP2 Rare Disease Alliance to Close Rare Disease Care Gap in Asia-Pacific
The HGP2 Rare Disease Alliance (RaDiAnce-APAC) was launched in Kuala Lumpur on May 10, 2026, uniting experts from 10 Asia-Pacific countries to address rare disease diagnosis gaps through genomics and AI. BGI Genomics and Malaysia’s Ministry of Health emphasized collaboration, standardization, and equitable access to precision healthcare in the region, with a focus on ethics, accessibility, and public response frameworks.
The HGP2 Rare Disease Alliance of the Asia-Pacific Region (RaDiAnce-APAC) was officially launched in Kuala Lumpur on May 10, 2026, under the Human Genome Project II (HGP2) framework. The alliance brings together experts from 10 countries to tackle diagnostic gaps in rare diseases, with a unified declaration covering ethics, accessibility, collaboration, acceleration, and public response. YBhg. Datuk Dr. Nor Fariza Binti Ngah, Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support) at Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, highlighted the shift toward precision health, integrating genomics, AI, and policy to move from reactive to predictive and personalized care. She stressed Malaysia’s commitment to embedding advanced technologies into its healthcare system. Hou Yong, General Manager of BGI Genomics, noted the alliance’s goal to standardize and improve equitable access to rare disease diagnosis and treatment across the Asia-Pacific. The initiative aims to ensure no patient is limited by disease or geographic barriers, leveraging genetic technology and AI for transformation. Thong Meow Keong, a professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, emphasized the region’s focus on genetic advancements and precision public health. Dr. Thanyachai Sura of Ramathibodi Hospital (Thailand) called for phased adoption of genomic tools, balancing cost-effectiveness, clinical need, and patient access. Dr. Zilfalil Bin Alwi of Universiti Sains Malaysia warned against neglecting rare diseases due to resource constraints, framing the alliance as a critical platform for regional collaboration. Dr. Ludi Dhyani Rahmartani of Universitas Indonesia urged cross-country partnerships to elevate genomic diagnostic standards in Southeast Asia. Dr. Muhammad Jawad Hassan of Shifa International Hospital (Pakistan) stressed the need for local genomic resources and multidisciplinary care to achieve earlier diagnoses and better treatment outcomes in low- and middle-income nations.
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