Pakistan, being a low- and middle-income country, has found its participation in the GenOMICC study to be a truly rewarding experience. It introduced a new method of blood sample collection for our research team using dried blood spot (DBS) cards, a transformative and innovative approach that made sample collection smoother and more consistent across sites. While this may seem simple to developed nations, for us it opened a gateway to collaborate with international research teams on a scale previously beyond our reach. Our team is highly motivated and deeply interested in this new area of work. Each step, from learning the concept to engaging with the community, has been exciting and eye-opening. When we approach patients and their families for consent and explain the study, they are often amazed that such advanced genetic research is taking place in Pakistan. Their curiosity and enthusiasm further fuel our own passion for the project. This collaboration has strengthened our research capacity, enabled diverse population representation, and provided a meaningful opportunity to contribute from a resource-limited setting. Overall, this journey has been incredibly fulfilling, broadening our horizons, inspiring us to advance in genomics, and allowing Pakistan to stand shoulder to shoulder with developed nations in global health research. We are truly grateful to be part of this study and eagerly look forward to seeing its final outcomes.
