Sun City, South Africa - 26-29 October 2024 – The African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST) proudly celebrates the achievements of three of its PhD students, Nyasha Mapira, Vincent Nyangwara, and Pageneck Chikondowa, who recently presented their groundbreaking research at the Southern African Society for Human Genetics (SASHG) 2024 Conference. Held at Sun City, South Africa, this year’s
conference took place under the theme, “Future Ready: Growing Genomics in Africa.”
Prof. Reggies Wenyika, Chair of AiBST, congratulated the students on their
outstanding work, expressing his pride in their contributions to scientific advancement in Africa. “Their excellent work underscores AiBST’s commitment to developing innovative, African-led healthcare solutions,” Prof. Wenyika said. “These talented researchers are helping to shape the future of genomics in Africa, delivering insights that will significantly impact health outcomes on the continent.”
AiBST PhD Student Presentations:
• Nyasha Mapira – “Determining the Technical Feasibility and Clinical Applicability
of Next Generation Sequencing in Mendelian Disorders Diagnosis in Zimbabwe”
• Vincent Nyangwara – “Pharmacogenomics of Hepatotoxicity in the Treatment of
TB Patients of African Ancestry”
• Pageneck Chikondowa – “Development of a Human Single-Nuclei Atlas for
Primary Knee Osteoarthritis in Zimbabweans”
Each presentation showcased innovative research that aligns with AiBST’s mission to
address Africa’s healthcare challenges through genomic science. The conference’s
symposium for young and early-career geneticists (YEGG), themed “The Future
Genomics Reimagined – Unveiling Tomorrow’s Mysteries, Today!” provided an ideal
platform for the students to contribute to critical discussions on genomics acceleration in Africa, genetic counseling, disease mechanism insights, and pharmacogenomics. Prof. Wenyika commended the students for representing AiBST at such a high level and for their role in achieving the institute’s vision of crafting African solutions for Africa's unique healthcare needs.
About AiBST
The African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST) is a leading research institute based in Zimbabwe, known for its pioneering work in DNA forensics and biomedical science. AiBST focuses on genomic research and precision medicine to
develop healthcare solutions for the continent, contributing to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 in health and reaffirming its commitment to African-led innovation in medical science. For more information, visit www.aibst.org.