This week's special issue on genetics is prompted by a simple thought. Every year, babies are born in our community with entirely - and easily - avoidable medical disorders.
Some die in childhood, others in early adulthood. But their pain and suffering, and that of their families, need never have happened if their parents had been genetically tested. Other diaspora communities have extensive and well-entrenched programmes, but our record is woeful.
Testing is sporadic and unusual. Primarily, this is the result of ignorance. Few of us have the least idea of the importance of testing.
Jnetics does a sterling job attempting to raise awareness but it is desperately short of the funds it needs. A serious programme requires not just widespread testing but also education to inculcate the idea that a test is a vital part of the decision to have children.
