Genomic surveillance: Lomé trains a new generation of African experts

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Extract from the article: In the face of the persistent threat of epidemics, the University of Lomé has been hosting a 14-day training course on genomic surveillance and the ‘One Health’ approach since 9 September 2026 in Lomé. The AFROSCREEN FEF initiative brings together...

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In the face of the persistent threat of epidemics, the University of Lomé has been hosting a 14-day training course on genomic surveillance and the ‘One Health’ approach since 9 September 2026 in Lomé. The AFROSCREEN FEF initiative brings together experts and healthcare professionals from ten African countries with a shared objective: to strengthen the continent’s capacity to anticipate and respond more effectively to health emergencies. Several experts, including doctors, biologists, vets, pharmacists, researchers and other health specialists, are taking part in this session.

The AFROSCREEN network was established in the context of the Covid-19 crisis to help address Africa’s shortcomings in genomic surveillance. This technology enables, in particular, the identification and characterisation of variants of infectious agents from biological samples.

The training is based on three main modules. The first is devoted to the ‘One Health’ approach, which recognises the close links between human health, animal health and the environment. Participants are invited to compare their experiences and the mechanisms put in place in their respective countries. The aim is to promote mutual learning and collaboration between national systems.

The second module focuses on risk modelling. Using data collected in the laboratory, modelling tools enable us to go beyond the analysis of individual cases to better assess the risks to which entire populations may be exposed and to guide preventive measures.

Finally, the third module, which lasts one week, is devoted to genomics and bioinformatics. These disciplines enable the analysis of sequencing data to better identify the pathogens responsible for diseases and understand their evolution.

Training ‘AFROSCREEN ambassadors’

Beyond the acquisition of technical knowledge, AFROSCREEN FEF aims to create a network of professionals capable of passing on these skills in their respective countries.

Participants are thus called upon to become true ‘AFROSCREEN ambassadors’, both within their laboratories and at a national level. They will be able to help bring together stakeholders in human, animal and environmental health and foster new scientific collaborations.

This cooperation is all the more important given that infectious agents know no borders. For the organisers, the sharing of skills, data and experiences is therefore a key lever for improving the continent’s preparedness for future epidemics.

Towards African health sovereignty

Financially supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and a scientific consortium comprising, in particular, ANRS MIE, IRD and the Pasteur Institute, the original AFROSCREEN project helped to inform public health decision-making in several African countries over a four-year period.

With AFROSCREEN FEF, supported by the Équipe France Fund, this momentum continues. In Lomé, the challenge extends beyond the two-week training course: the aim is to build a sustainable African network of expertise capable of anticipating health threats and creating a more resilient Africa in the face of future epidemics.