The Genes & Health study aims to:
It has been developed to provide researchers with vital information to address the fact that British Bangladeshi and Pakistani populations experience significantly higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and poorer health outcomes overall.
While it led by Queen Mary University of London, Genes & Health involves many other NHS and research partners in the UK as well as worldwide.
In Walsall, its Principal Investigator is Mr Fahad Hossain, Consultant and Director of Research and Development, with Professor Tonny Veenith, Clinical Director of Research for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Principal Investigator there.
Teams across Walsall Manor and New Cross Hospitals have been encouraging people to sign up to take part and this opportunity will be extended much more widely into the communities in each area over the coming weeks and months.
Mr Hossain said: “The research we do today will make an enormous impact on the lives of people for generations to come which is why we want to support as many people as possible from these two communities to get involved.
“Understanding how our genes can influence health and disease can pave the way for major changes in prediction, diagnosis and treatment. Research can be completely life changing and we want to ensure we help people to lead healthy lives as long as they possibly can.”
Professor Veenith added: “We’re proud that our two Trusts can play their part in this study which is one of the world’s largest community‑based genetic studies.
“Most big genetic research studies have been conducted with people from European backgrounds – this one is specifically aimed at British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani people so we can gain a greater understanding of how to improve their health.”
Taking part is easy and quick as volunteers provide a spit sample for researchers to study DNA and complete two short forms.
After this initial participation, some participants may be invited to take part in additional studies to get a more detailed understanding of particular health conditions.
