Cuba’s National Medical Genetics Program

Abstract

Since first emerging in the late 1970s, the field of human genetics has advanced with extraordinary speed. In just thirteen years (1990 to 2003), the human genome project deciphered the code of life. Today, by detecting genetic predisposition to certain diseases, we can anticipate their appearance even before the onset of symptoms, and progress is being made toward creating so-called "personalized drugs" designed to fit an individual's genetic profile. Yet, these developments are far beyond the reach of the vast majority of people. Few countries have transformed the giant steps in human genetics into national policies, programs and services accessible to the general population.