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Fewer than 0.5% of SARS-CoV-2 sequences available in GISAID are from Africa, despite Africa representing 14% of the world’s population. While some African institutions have access to genomic sequencing technology, this is not widespread due to high upfront costs, a limited well-trained workforce, and limited infrastructure for data systems.
By creating a collaborative program for genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa that supports other African countries, we will spearhead the Africa genomics surveillance revolution. Genomics surveillance aims to transform public health interventions by monitoring genetic changes that impact pathogenicity, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
Thie Genomics Africa program’s principal investigator (PI) is Prof Tulio de Oliveira from CERI, Stellebonsch & UKZN. The Co-PIs are Prof Christian Happi from ACEGID and Prof Samuel Oyola from ILRI..