African Researchers Magazine (ISSN: 2714-2787) – premier source for latest African research, science and scholarly news

Tag: epidemiological data

  • Africa Unites to Eliminate NTDs by 2030 with New Digital Microplanning Platform Backed by Africa CDC

    Africa Unites to Eliminate NTDs by 2030 with New Digital Microplanning Platform Backed by Africa CDC


    Illustrative Image: Africa Unites to Eliminate NTDs by 2030 with New Digital Microplanning Platform Backed by Africa CDC
    Image Source & Credit: eHealth Africa
    Ownership and Usage Policy

    In a major step toward eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), fifty African Union (AU) Member States have endorsed an innovative digital micro-planning platform co-developed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This landmark decision marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s collective health journey, demonstrating the continent’s growing commitment to self-driven, data-informed public health solutions.

    NTDs are a group of 21 debilitating diseases that predominantly affect impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions. These include intestinal worms, lymphatic filariasis, river blindness, schistosomiasis, trachoma, and visceral leishmaniasis, among others. These diseases lead to long-term health complications such as blindness, deformities, malnutrition, and social stigma, collectively burdening over 565 million people in the African region—accounting for 35% of the global NTD burden.

    The Microplanning Revolution

    To accelerate the elimination of these diseases by 2030, the Africa CDC—alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), The END Fund, and various technical partners—has launched a first-of-its-kind continental digital microplanning portal. This dynamic platform allows each participating country to upload, manage, and monitor customized microplans aligned with their national NTD masterplans, focusing on the six most prevalent NTDs in their regions.

    More than a data collection tool, the platform offers critical functionality to:

    • Track and optimize resource allocation

    • Identify and address technical assistance needs

    • Enhance inter-country knowledge sharing

    • Facilitate evidence-based budgeting

    • Advocate for domestic and sustainable financing solutions

    This approach is vital in the wake of declining international funding streams that have disrupted essential NTD programs across Africa. “Public health across Africa is under serious threat due to these funding gaps,” emphasized Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General of the Africa CDC. “That’s why the strong momentum around NTD elimination is so vital—it shows resilience and collective purpose.”

    Country-Led, Data-Driven Strategies

    Over four days of in-depth discussions and workshops held from June 17–20, 2025, AU Member States worked together to finalize national microplans. These plans detail the specific epidemiological landscape, technical needs, existing resources, and priority interventions required to eliminate NTDs in each country.

    The participatory process encouraged regional cooperation and helped countries align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063—a long-term strategic framework aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development across the continent. As Prof. Julio Rakotonirina of the African Union Commission noted, “Eliminating NTDs is not just a health goal—it is a crucial lever for Africa’s development.”

    A Shift in Health Financing Paradigms

    The meeting also served as a rallying call to reform how health programs are financed. With traditional donor support dwindling, there is a growing recognition that foreign aid alone cannot sustain public health progress. “We are at a crossroads,” said Dr. Solomon Zewdu, CEO of The END Fund. “It’s time to rethink health financing. African countries must lead with collaborative, strategic financing models that blend domestic funding with catalytic external investments.”

    The END Fund and Africa CDC reinforced their partnership, committing to support governments in developing co-financing models and resource pooling strategies that ensure no community is left behind. “Long-term sustainability lies in national ownership, strategic partnerships, and operationalizing plans on the ground,” added Dr. Zewdu.

    Building Towards a Healthier, Resilient Africa

    The microplanning workshop concluded with each country having a fully costed, data-driven, and actionable NTD elimination plan, complete with identified resource gaps and coordination strategies. This initiative aims to minimize duplication, streamline efforts, and improve the overall efficiency of NTD programs continent-wide.

    As Dr. Dereje Duguma Gemeda, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Health, put it: “This new platform enables countries to make data-informed decisions that reflect real-world needs. It brings us one step closer to ending NTDs for good.”

    With the full support of Africa CDC, WHO, The END Fund, and other regional and global partners, Africa is positioning itself not just as a recipient of health solutions, but as an architect of its own future—one where neglected diseases are no longer a reflection of neglected people.

    About Africa CDC

    The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is an autonomous public health institution of the African Union that supports Member States in building strong, responsive, and sustainable health systems. It focuses on improving disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and health systems development.

    About The END Fund

    The END Fund is a private philanthropic initiative focused on ending the five most common NTDs through public-private partnerships. The Fund mobilizes resources and technical support for country-led efforts and sustainable strategies.

  • October 2024: Adewunmi Akingbola – African Male Researcher of the Month

    October 2024: Adewunmi Akingbola – African Male Researcher of the Month

    African Researchers AwardOctober 2024: Adewunmi Akingbola – African Male Researcher of the Month

     

    Adewunmi Akingbola, a distinguished medical doctor and scientist, has been named one of 12 global recipients of the 2024 Passion in Science Award by New England BioLabs. This prestigious recognition honors individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment to using science to drive humanitarian efforts, and Akingbola’s outstanding work in infectious diseases research has earned him the award in the humanitarian category.

    Akingbola is an alumnus of Lagos State University College of Medicine in Ikeja, Nigeria, and is currently affiliated with the University of Cambridge. His groundbreaking research has focused on addressing the significant burden of infectious diseases, particularly those that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. His notable work with people who inject drugs in the United Kingdom has enhanced the understanding of disease transmission and treatment, specifically for viral hepatitis C. His use of sophisticated statistical techniques such as Complete Case Analysis and Multiple Imputation to manage missing epidemiological data has contributed to more accurate and reliable public health research outcomes.

    Akingbola’s Humanitarian Vision: HealthDrive Nigeria

    Beyond his academic contributions, Akingbola is a visionary leader in global health through his initiative, HealthDrive Nigeria. Founded with the mission of addressing infectious diseases in underserved and rural communities in Nigeria, HealthDrive Nigeria has been at the forefront of health education, disease prevention, and providing access to critical medical care. The project focuses heavily on combating viral hepatitis—a disease that remains a serious public health concern in Nigeria—by offering subsidized vaccinations, preventive measures, and awareness campaigns. Through strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers, Akingbola and his team have made tangible improvements in the health outcomes of countless Nigerians.

    HealthDrive Nigeria’s approach is multifaceted, engaging communities through educational outreach while simultaneously increasing access to vaccinations and essential healthcare services. This initiative embodies the intersection of Akingbola’s scientific expertise and his deep commitment to social impact, striving to bridge the gap between innovative research and practical, life-saving interventions.

    The Passion in Science Award: Honoring Scientific Excellence and Humanitarian Impact

    As part of the Passion in Science Award, Akingbola will be honored with a fully-funded trip to New England BioLabs’ headquarters in Boston, USA, where he will participate in collaborative discussions and events with other global awardees. Additionally, he has selected HealthDrive Nigeria as the recipient of a cash prize from the award, which will further support the expansion of the organization’s efforts to tackle infectious diseases in Nigeria’s underserved regions. This prize will enable HealthDrive to scale up its vaccination drives and improve access to preventive healthcare in even more remote areas, extending its impact to thousands more individuals in need.

    In his acceptance of the award, Akingbola expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the critical importance of combining scientific innovation with humanitarian work. He highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address pressing global health challenges, particularly in low-resource settings where the burden of infectious diseases is often the greatest.

    Bridging Science and Humanity: A Lasting Legacy

    Akingbola’s contributions to both science and society serve as a model for how researchers can leverage their expertise to make a profound social impact. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also translates into real-world applications that improve the lives of marginalized populations. By addressing both the epidemiological and practical aspects of infectious disease management, Akingbola is building a legacy that demonstrates the transformative power of science when driven by a passion for human welfare.

    This recognition by New England BioLabs shines a spotlight on Akingbola’s remarkable achievements and his ongoing efforts to merge the worlds of scientific research and humanitarian action. As he continues his work at the University of Cambridge and with HealthDrive Nigeria, Akingbola is poised to make even more significant contributions to global health, particularly in the fight against infectious diseases.

    The Passion in Science Award is a testament to his dedication, and with this honor, Adewunmi Akingbola is further empowered to expand the reach of his work, providing hope and health to the communities that need it most.

  • Unlocking Public Health’s Future: Genomic Surveillance in Infectious Disease Control

    Unlocking Public Health’s Future: Genomic Surveillance in Infectious Disease Control

    A recent study by Anekpo, et al., (2024) titled “Application of Genomic Studies in Epidemiological Surveillance: A Mini-overview” published in the Journal of Biological Research & Biotechnology examines that the integration of genomics with epidemiological data can enhance disease control efforts and inform public health practices through targeted interventions.

    “

    Genomic surveillance enhances infectious disease control by early detection, understanding pathogen evolution, monitoring antimicrobial resistance, and guiding precision public health interventions. -Anekpo, et al., (2024)

    Genomic technologies have ushered in a new era in public health, with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) at the forefront of efforts to track, understand, and manage infectious diseases. This transformative approach, known as genomic surveillance, uses genetic data to gain insights into pathogens’ origins, transmission patterns, and resistance mechanisms. As the world faces evolving health threats, including pandemics, this method has become indispensable in disease surveillance and control. The study discusses how genomic sequencing, particularly whole-genome sequencing (WGS), is used to track pathogens and manage outbreaks, highlighting its transformative impact on public health surveillance. The article emphasizes the struggles faced by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in Africa, in accurately diagnosing and reporting infectious diseases, despite advances in genomics. The authors underscore the critical role of epidemiological surveillance in disease tracking and monitoring, enabling timely preventive and control measures. In addition, the review acknowledges the barriers to integrating genomics into surveillance systems, such as funding, coordination, and data analysis challenges, and provides recommendations for improvement.

    How the Study was Conducted

    The authors posit that the process begins with the extraction of DNA, which is then fragmented into smaller segments. Adapters are added to the DNA fragments to facilitate attachment to the sequencing platform and provide sequencing information. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify the DNA fragments, increasing the amount available for sequencing. Various technologies, including Sanger sequencing, Illumina sequencing, and newer methods like PacBio and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, are employed to read the DNA fragments and determine the nucleotide order.

    What the Authors Found

    The authors found that despite advancements, integrating genomics into surveillance systems faces significant barriers, including funding, coordination, and data integration issues. In addition, the authors found that the integration of genomics with epidemiological data can enhance disease control efforts and inform public health practices through targeted interventions.

    Why is this Important

    Early Detection and Monitoring: Genomic surveillance allows for the early detection of infectious diseases, including emerging pathogens. By analyzing the genetic material of pathogens, researchers can identify novel variants and track their spread. This information is essential for timely intervention and containment.
    Understanding Pathogen Evolution: WGS provides detailed insights into the evolution of pathogens. By comparing genomic sequences, scientists can trace the lineage of a pathogen, understand its mutational patterns, and predict its behavior. This knowledge informs vaccine development, treatment strategies, and public health policies.
    Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Genomic surveillance helps monitor AMR, which is a growing global concern. By analyzing the genetic basis of resistance, researchers can identify mechanisms and patterns of resistance. This information guides antibiotic stewardship and helps prevent the spread of drug-resistant strains.
    Outbreak Investigation: During outbreaks, rapid identification of the causative agent is critical. WGS allows for precise identification of pathogens, distinguishing between closely related strains. It also helps establish transmission routes, identify sources, and assess the impact of interventions.
    Precision Public Health: Integrating genomics with epidemiological data enables precision public health. By tailoring interventions based on genomic information, health authorities can target specific populations, implement effective control measures, and reduce disease burden.
    Global Collaboration: Genomic surveillance relies on international collaboration. Sharing genomic data across borders enhances our understanding of global disease dynamics. It facilitates coordinated responses to outbreaks and ensures preparedness for future health threats.

    What the Authors Recommend

    • The authors recommend increasing awareness among healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers about the benefits of genomic surveillance. Training programs can help build capacity and ensure effective implementation.
    • Streamlining reporting mechanisms for genomic data is crucial. The authors suggest creating user-friendly platforms and standardized formats for sharing genomic information. This simplification encourages broader participation and data exchange.
    • Providing timely feedback to stakeholders involved in genomic surveillance is essential. Researchers, public health agencies, and clinicians should receive updates on findings, variant detection, and actionable insights promptly.
    • The authors emphasize collaboration across institutions, countries, and regions. Sharing genomic data globally enhances our understanding of pathogen dynamics and facilitates coordinated responses during outbreaks.
    • The authors advocate that adequate funding and resources are necessary for successful genomic surveillance. Investment in sequencing technologies, bioinformatics tools, and personnel training ensures sustained efforts in disease monitoring.
    • The authors emphasize that Genomic surveillance should complement existing surveillance systems. Integrating genomic data with epidemiological information enhances the accuracy of outbreak investigations and informs public health decisions.

    In summary, genomic surveillance, particularly through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), has revolutionized the landscape of infectious disease tracking and public health response. Its ability to detect pathogens early, understand their evolution, monitor antimicrobial resistance, and guide precision public health interventions has proven invaluable. However, realizing the full potential of this technology requires addressing significant challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Through increased funding, streamlined data sharing, international collaboration, and integration with existing surveillance systems, genomic surveillance can offer transformative insights for global health security. As we move forward, it’s crucial to build capacity, promote global cooperation, and ensure that this cutting-edge technology contributes to a safer and healthier world for all.