GenPath Africa showcased at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Annual Meeting
Grantees of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP3) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMG) Partnership on Genomic Epidemiology participated in the first GenEpi periodic meeting, which coincided with the BMGF Grand Challenges Annual Meeting, an event designed to explore how the global health community can expand the frontiers of science and innovation to save and improve lives ...
Grantees of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP3) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMG) Partnership on Genomic Epidemiology participated in the first GenEpi periodic meeting, which coincided with the BMGF Grand Challenges Annual Meeting, an event designed to explore how the global health community can expand the frontiers of science and innovation to save and improve lives. This hybrid meeting served as a platform for members of the Genomic Epidemiology Network, which includes GenPath Africa, Africa PGI, PHA4GE, NGS Academy, and the Global Health Network, to discuss policy and strategy frameworks, strengthen collaboration, and reaffirm project strategies and agreements.
Onsite at the event were key GenPath Africa representatives, including co-investigators Prof. Lenine Liebenberg from CERI at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Nalia Ismael from Instituto Nacional de Saude, Mozambique, Samuel Oyola from the International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya, and Claudia Schacht from LINQ, Germany.
During the GenEpi periodic meeting, the team delved into GenPath Africa's core goal: leveraging lessons learned from responding to SARS-CoV-2 to enhance the diagnosis, monitoring, and clinical management of various pathogens. The project's aim is to better respond to current epidemics and prepare for future pandemics, thereby bolstering public health in Africa.
Nalia Ismael took the stage at the BMGF Grand Challenges Annual Meeting to talk about "The Evolving Role of Pathogen Genomics in Public Health Surveillance," which emphasized the importance of harnessing genomics to gain better control over pathogen infections in Africa. As a representative of GenPath Africa, Nalia Ismael played a crucial role in shedding light on the project's vision and its profound impact on public health.
"The BMGF Grand Challenges Annual Meeting was a remarkable platform to explore how science and innovation can be harnessed to save and enhance lives, making it a pivotal moment for GenPath Africa and the entire global health community." said Liebenberg.
GenPath Africa's presence at the BMGF Grand Challenges Annual Meeting highlights the project's commitment to advancing genomic epidemiology and public health surveillance in Africa. By applying the lessons learned from the response to SARS-CoV-2 and focusing on controlling a wide range of pathogens, GenPath Africa is taking a bold step toward enhancing the region's ability to combat infectious diseases. With the support of collaborators like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, GenPath Africa is poised to make a substantial contribution to the field of public health and the fight against emerging pathogen threats in Africa.
Furthermore, Prof. Liebenberg also participated in three side-meetings related to the projects supported by BMGF and partners: the Vaginal Microbiome Research Consortium (4-7 October), the HPV Immune Mechanisms of Clearance (8 October), and the first periodic GenEpi side-meeting (8 October). Prof. Liebenberg was a speaker in the GCAM2023 opening session of the Reproductive Health Technologies scientific track, where, in the session "Vagina Dialogues: Impact of Vaginal Practices on Product Use and Development Session," she discussed her work on the role of genital inflammation in susceptibility to HIV infection in women and urged the importance of vaginal products to address inflammation or consider it in their products design.
"I return inspired by potential, with a renewed will to Do Good Better, and a thorough appreciation for the spirit of Teranga. Can't wait to pay this forward!" Prof. Liebenberg shared her enthusiasm for the event, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing global health.
News date: 2023-11-07
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