Human genomics is transforming how diseases are diagnosed and treated, enabling earlier detection, more effective therapies and tailored public health responses. Yet many countries in the Western Pacific still lack the infrastructure, policies and skilled teams needed to make this a reality, and limited resources add to the challenge.
To address these gaps, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific set up an Expert Working Group in 2024. It brings together specialists from ethics, research, policy and clinical practice to share priorities, explore collaboration and guide countries on integrating genomics into public health responsibly.
In October 2025, Indonesia joined the group through the Ministry of Health's Centre for Biomedical and Genome Health (BB Binomika). The country has made notable progress by investing in infrastructure, developing national sequencing initiatives and advancing research in areas such as pharmacogenomics, which study how genes affect individual responses to medicines.
At the 15th Asia Pacific Conference on Human Genetics, held in November 2025 in Yogyakarta, WHO co-organised a panel to share updates and highlight opportunities for collaboration. In this panel, experts shared progress from ongoing work including policy development, ethical workforce capacity, and approaches to strengthen a skilled and multidisciplinary workforce. They also expressed interest in aligning Indonesia’s efforts with regional expertise and raising their profile globally. WHO encouraged interested institutions to engage with the Expert Working Group, Rregional and Ccountry Ooffices, and contribute to country case studies, technical insights and training.
Nora Charron from WHO Indonesia shared about WHO’s support for human genomics initiatives led by the Ministry of Health. Credit: APCHG
"Indonesia is rapidly advancing a national human genomics programme through investment and strategic partnerships. Sustained regional collaboration and strong ethical foundations will support equitable access to future genomic services," said Professor Roderick Salenga, Team Lead for Health Systems at WHO Indonesia. "WHO serves as a bridge, turning global genomics vision into practical country implementation by matching country needs with real opportunities to close gaps."
Sharing experiences internationally helps countries build capacity, avoid duplication and ensure solutions meet local needs. The progress in Indonesia contributes to regional learning, supports equitable access to innovation and builds confidence in future public health applications.
WHO will continue working with Indonesian counterparts and regional experts to identify training priorities, share case studies and explore technical assistance that supports ethical and sustainable genomics in public health.
Written by Julienne O’Rourke, Technical Officer (Research), WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, and Nora Charron, Technical Officer (Health Information Systems and Health Systems Research), WHO Indonesia