This problem is particularly marked in the case of STIs, identification and management of which is chiefly organised around the low-cost route of syndromic management, which eschews expensive diagnostics in favour of broad-based treatment of symptomatic cases, as a result, there is little incentive for diagnostic technology manufacturers to invest in South Africa, and little translation of genomic research findings into clinical practice. In addition, respondents proposed that international collaboration could also play a valuable educative role. It was suggested that the insecure funding situation for genomic research and implementation can be attributed to a lack of awareness among public health agencies and policy makers, who are inclined to perceive genomics as a basic research field, and hence of limited significance for public health.