Boosting pathogen genomics and bioinformatics workforce in Africa.
Lancet Infect Dis
; 24(2): e106-e112, 2024 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37778362
ABSTRACT
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of genomic data has established its fundamental value in public health surveillance, research and development, and precision medicine. In Africa, severe shortages of competent experts in genomics and bioinformatics, few opportunities for research, and inadequate genomic infrastructure have had a knock-on effect on the use of NGS technologies for research and public health practice. Several reasons-ranging from poor funding, inadequate infrastructure for training and practice, to brain drain-might partly account for the scarcity of genomics and bioinformatics expertise in the region. In recognition of these shortcomings and the importance of NGS genomic data, which was amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2021, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) through the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative began building and expanding Africa's workforce in pathogen surveillance. By the end of 2022, the Africa CDC in collaboration with its partners and centres of excellence had trained 413 personnel, mostly from public health institutions, in 53 (96%) of 55 African Union Member States. Although this training has increased genomics, bioinformatics, and genomic epidemiology literacy, and genomic-informed pathogen surveillance, there is still a need for a strategic and sustainable public health workforce development in Africa.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Genômica
/
Pandemias
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Lancet Infect Dis
Assunto da revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Etiópia