France, April 4 -- African scientists say the world is missing vital medical insights by ignoring the continent's vast genetic diversity. Less than 2 percent of human genome sequencing worldwide comes from African populations.

"Diversity" was the buzzword at the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) summit last month in Durban, South Africa. Genomic research depends on it - yet Africa remains one of the most under-studied regions.

Cameroonian researcher Ambroise Wonkam, who leads the African Society of Human Genetics, said this leads to serious problems in diagnosing and treating genetic conditions.

"If we don't know which genes are the most important in terms of diagnosing genetic diseases in African populations, it is impossible for me, a...