To achieve this, the following issues must be addressed:

• Ensuring access to relevant genomic technologies for African scientists
• Facilitating integration between genomic and clinical studies
• Facilitating training at all levels, and particularly in training research leaders
• Establishing necessary research infrastructure

The first stage in the Initiative was the creation of two working groups, one focusing on communicable diseases and the other on non-communicable diseases. These groups were tasked with reviewing relevant current research activity in Africa, developing a scientific case for a pilot study of a specific disease(s) and producing some general principles/guidelines for collaboration, data sharing and addressing Ethical, Legal and Social Issues.