Official Press Release: HuGAA Launches First-Ever World Human Genetics Day

Published: 30 March 2026  |  For Immediate Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BANJUL, THE GAMBIA, 30 March 2026

The Human Genetics Awareness Association (HuGAA) today launched the inaugural World Human Genetics Day (WHGD), establishing 30 March as an annual global observance dedicated to advancing public understanding of human genetics and championing the representation of African populations in genomics.

The landmark event, hosted at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia, brought together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, students, and community members in a hybrid format accessible to participants worldwide. Partners for the 2026 launch included the African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG), Tanzania Human Genetics Organisation (THGO), Ministry of Health The Gambia, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), and Global Properties.

"This is not simply an event, it is the beginning of a movement," said Sainabou Laye Ndure, Founder and Chairperson of HuGAA and Commonwealth PhD Scholar at Queen Mary University of London. "World Human Genetics Day exists to ensure that the science of our shared humanity is understood, celebrated, and made accessible to communities across Africa and the world."

HuGAA is pursuing formal international recognition for WHGD through United Nations and WHO/UNESCO pathways. Today's launch represents a critical step in building the evidence base for that recognition.

ABOUT HuGAA

The Human Genetics Awareness Association (HuGAA) is a nonprofit organisation founded in The Gambia with a mission to bridge the gap between genetics research and communities. HuGAA works to destigmatise genetic conditions, raise public awareness of human genetics, advocate for genetic testing and diagnostics, promote an African genomic database, and provide psychological support to those affected by genetic conditions.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Contact: info@hugaa.org