As we enter another year of the pandemic, countries are on alert for another spike in infections, and the possibility of new variants circulating. Genomic surveillance will continue to be important in monitoring the pandemic, as well as in preparing for any future outbreaks. However, not all countries - especially low- and middle-income countries - have the capacity to conduct large-scale genomic sequencing. What can the experience of the African region teach us, when it comes to implementing a region-wide genomic surveillance network? Joining us to share the experience of the African continent is Dr Sarah Mwangi, implementation science expert from the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, which was set up under the auspices of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Tee Shiao Eek

Presented by: Tee Shiao Eek

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Categories:  health policy,  medical advances

Tags:  the bigger picture,  health and living,  covid-19,  pandemic preparedness,  genomic surveillance,  genomic sequencing,  omicron,