Three Priority Areas
GenCoE will develop and implement infrastructure to use genomics technologies for health under three priority areas:
01
Enhanced Pathogen Genomic Response Network for Pandemic Preparedness
GenCoE will advance a high-performing continental network that detects and characterizes pathogens and shares data in real-time diagnostics, sequencing technology, mobile applications, and data analytics to strengthen public health responses. GenCoE will develop biosafety and biosecurity standards for pathogen surveillance across existing national programs and varying laboratory capacities. GenCoE will ensure that scientists are trained in biological risk management and have a shared culture of responsibility for reduced biological risks.
02
Genomics to Inform Precision Public Health
GenCoE will generate genomic data to support basic, translational, and clinical research programs and trials for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We will leverage existing infrastructure acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic and through previous consortia. Our research focuses on diseases that uniquely burden Africans and creates opportunities for precision health diagnostics of single gene disorders, predictions of disease risk for complex traits, and tailoring treatment based on pharmacogenetic profiles.
03
Workforce Development and Retention
Africa's economic achievements have created a new vibrancy on the continent, now among the world's most rapidly growing economic regions. While momentum is widely recognized, longer-term growth depends on sustained investment in an innovative workforce to advance a knowledge economy. GenCoE will equip its network with training platforms for workforce development and will create talent retention pipelines to leverage the African scientific investigator diaspora and to retain scientists and geneticists already working in Africa.
Short-Term Outcomes
GenCoE aims to achieve the following near-term outcomes that will establish the foundation for long-term health transformation:
Pandemic Preparedness
Early warning systems for pandemic preparedness through point-of-care diagnostics for outbreaks
Pathogen Detection
Rapid identification and characterization of emerging pathogens through advanced sequencing technologies
Real-Time Data Sharing
Integrated data systems enabling real-time surveillance and information exchange across the network
Capacity Building
Training programs establishing a skilled workforce in genomics, bioinformatics, and laboratory sciences
Clinical Integration
Implementation of genomic findings into clinical practice for improved diagnostics and treatment
Continental Network
Establishment of coordinated Centres of Excellence working together across national boundaries
Biosafety Standards
Development and implementation of biosafety and biosecurity protocols for pathogen research
Precision Medicine
Generation of genomic data supporting personalized treatment approaches for African populations
Long-Term Outcomes
GenCoE envisions transformative long-term outcomes that will fundamentally advance health security and scientific innovation across Africa:
Long-term workforce development
Local manufacturing of drugs and vaccines
Prevention of kidney disease
Finding a cure and realizing an AIDS-free generation
Delivering a cure for sickle cell disease
Understanding genetic risk for cardiovascular disease
Precision oncology for African populations
Establishment of a long-term clinical trials network to accelerate discovery in Africa
Building Africa's Genomic Future
Through these coordinated efforts across priority areas and measurable outcomes, GenCoE will establish Africa as a leader in genomic research and precision medicine. Our work will not only improve health outcomes for African populations but will also contribute to global scientific knowledge and advance health equity worldwide.