A genetic research project began in 2021 at Fann Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. The goal is to help people with rare diseases in West Africa get early diagnosis and treatment. The study is led by neurologist Dr. Pedro Rodriguez Cruz. It was made possible by a partnership between Cheikh Anta Diop University and the National Center for Genomic Analysis in Spain. Blood samples are taken from patients and families, then sent to Barcelona. Scientists examine the DNA to find harmful mutations. Around 1,300 people from Senegal and nearby countries have joined the study. Many rare diseases in Africa are not found early because of weak healthcare systems and limited testing. This project hopes to improve that situation.

The research has identified serious diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and glutaric acidemia type I. These conditions affect muscles, breathing, and movement. In some cases, early treatment helped improve lives. One woman started walking and hearing again after taking vitamin B2. Some children improved with corticosteroid medicine. The project receives support from international groups like the La Caixa Foundation. Experts believe that collecting genetic data is essential for better medical care and fair health services. Still, there are challenges, such as poor infrastructure and the need to train more doctors. Scientists remain hopeful that this global cooperation will bring sustainable progress to West Africa.