2023-10-19 11:05:48
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Improve regional integration, increase trade, and improve healthcare outcomes with the Belt and Road Initiative.
Improving regional integration, increasing trade and improving health outcomes are key components of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Taking genetic technology applications from theory to reality in South America aligns perfectly with the spirit of BRI international cooperation towards shared goals.
BC. Natalia Pereiras, clinical biochemist and director of the BGI Genomics laboratory in Uruguay, points out: «I firmly believe that preventive medicine is the way to go. BGI Genomics has a lot to offer Latin America by promoting Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, which is cost-effective and fast. “This technology can facilitate early diagnoses for various types of cancer throughout the region.”
In a world first, the company has reused its registered trademark Huo-Yan Air Laboratory from COVID-19 nucleic acid testing to cover the entire NGS process, such as sample handling, extraction, sequencing, analysis, quality control and reporting. This Huo-Yan Air Laboratory (with seven cabins) covers more than 1,000 square meters, is more efficient to deploy and maintain than traditional laboratories, while equipped with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and other unique features to prevent contamination between cabins.
On August 2, 2023, the Minister of Public Health of Uruguay, Dr. Karina Rando visited Natalia and her team in the laboratory, and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory and exchanged ideas on how to leverage NGS and other advanced technologies to their full potential.
This Montevideo laboratory is located in the Science Park, a free trade zone located near an airport, with the potential to receive samples from all of Latin America.
Within Latin America, Uruguay has the highest rates of colorectal cancer (CRC), with evidence suggesting that more than half of cases (54%) are detected in advanced stages. The 5-year survival rate for CRC in Uruguay is 55% (Commission Against Cancer 2020). This is lower than the survival rate in many other developed countries, and may be due to several factors, such as lack of symptoms and lower detection rates.
With respect to improving Uruguay’s colorectal cancer incidence and survival rates, Natalia points to colorectal cancer screening, COLOTECT. A stool sample is taken and COLOTECT uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to study the mutation of three genes associated with cancer, achieving 90% specificity.
Looking to the future, the relationship between Uruguay and China will evolve. Natalia envisions Uruguay serving as a bridge between Latin America and Asia, empowered by the BRI, promoting multiculturalism and tangible benefits.
As laboratory director, Natalia is instrumental in achieving this shared goal. Her daily tasks include monitoring regulations, complying with biosafety standards, and addressing doctors’ questions.
Natalia’s story is a testament to the BRI’s continued influence on healthcare outcomes across the continent. Despite cultural and linguistic differences, there is much more in common between Latin America and China, and in the words of poet Robert Browning, “the best is yet to come.”
About BGI Genomics
BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world’s leading provider of integrated precision medicine solutions. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) officially began trading on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1608027/BGI_Logo.jpg
SOURCE BGI Genomics
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