Researchers at Nashville's Meharry Medical College recently launched a groundbreaking initiative with global implications for health equity and scientific advancement.

The GREAT Health Study aims to build the world's first comprehensive genomic and phenotype database for people of African ancestry. The project is seeking half a million volunteers from the U.S. and Africa.

Currently, people of African decent comprise 2% or less of the global genomic data — information that is essential to understanding risks of certain diseases and other ailments and is key to crafting effective treatments and preventative measures.

"We know that there are 7,000 diseases that have a genetic basis for which we have no treatment," said Dr. James Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry Medical College.

'New

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