Abstract:

Human genetic diversity in southern Africa is vast, complex and unique. Identifying and characterizing population structure in this region is not a trivial task but when performed correctly, allows for this information to be included in numerous genomic analyses such as studies investigating a populations’ demographic and genetic history and the association between this history and both Mendelian and complex diseases. I will discuss results from our population genetic and demographic studies and how this is related to various phenotypes (with a focus on tuberculosis susceptibility), and discuss various aspects of genomics that in my opinion are greatly lacking in southern Africa. I will conclude by discussing how populations worldwide will benefit from genomics research in this region.