🧬Committed to strengthening capacity, systems, and networks to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious disease threats
Joined April 2013
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Congratulations to Prof. Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum (@MTamfum) and Prof. Peter Piot on the #VirchowPrize2026!
A well-deserved honour for both, and for everyone inspired by their work.
#INRB
It is a privilege to deliver the laudation for Prof @Mtamfum and Prof Peter Piot at #VirchowPrize2026
Few have given more to advance public health while mentoring generations of future leaders
We celebrate not only their scientific achievements but also their deep humanity
Sofonias K Tessema retweeted
Very good, the sequence from the Swiss patient is out: virological.org/t/complete-s…
Eliminating malaria is fundamentally about equity because the disease persists where systems are weakest- remote, underserved, & cross-border communities.
Read more on my co-authored op-ed with Dr. Seynudé Jean Fortune Dagnon on the shift to elimination.
africahealthwatch.com/p/from…
Sofonias K Tessema retweeted
Today, I am proud to launch the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics (ASAG) — an African-led advisory body to guide how the continent governs, generates and uses genomic data to protect our people.
ASAG will strengthen disease surveillance, enhance epidemic preparedness, support ethical data governance and accelerate the development of African-led medical countermeasures — placing Africa at the centre of the global health security agenda.
This is genomics on Africa’s terms: coordinated, ethical and grounded in our priorities.
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Aujourd’hui, je suis fier d’annoncer le lancement du Groupe consultatif stratégique africain sur la génomique (ASAG) — un organe consultatif dirigé par l’Afrique, chargé d’orienter la manière dont le continent gouverne, produit et utilise les données génomiques pour protéger nos populations.
L’ASAG contribuera à renforcer la surveillance des maladies, améliorer la préparation aux épidémies, soutenir une gouvernance éthique des données et accélérer le développement de contre-mesures médicales dirigées par l’Afrique — plaçant le continent au cœur de l’agenda mondial de la sécurité sanitaire.
Il s’agit d’une génomique définie selon les priorités de l’Afrique : coordonnée, éthique et ancrée dans nos réalités.
Read more: ow.ly/Fiu250YUta4
Sofonias K Tessema retweeted
Today, the International Pathogen Surveillance Network, hosted by the @WHO Hub in Berlin, launched US$ 1.8 million in catalytic grants to strengthen genomic, wastewater & environmental surveillance in low -and- middle-income countries
More info to apply: bit.ly/WHOIPSNfunding
Sofonias K Tessema retweeted
Rwanda’s Akagera National Park 🇷🇼 @AkageraPark has been named one of @NatGeo’s Best Destinations in the World 2026 🌍✨.
A proud recognition of Rwanda’s natural beauty and conservation excellence.🦁 🦏 🐘 🐆 🐃🌿 #VisitRwanda #Akagera #NatGeo
nationalgeographic.com/trave…
Another testament for Africa’s growing genomics capacity
The 16th Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Bulape Health Zone, Kasai, DRC. We were able to generate an accurate consensus genome in less than one hour starting from the library preparation. The newly EBOV genome is 99.97% complete and consists of 18,819 nucleotides.
virological.org/t/the-16th-e…
#outbreak #EbolaVirusDisease
1/ A new continent-wide survey led by @AfricaCDC explores awareness, adoption, and barriers to AI use in genomics across 46 AU Member States. Here's what we found. 👇 #AIinAfrica #Genomics
biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/…
8/ AI presents a leapfrogging opportunity to address workforce shortages, data infrastructure gaps, and fragmented systems. However, its implementation requires substantial investment in local tools, data systems, governance, and training.
9/With AI, the continent can leap into a future of real-time outbreak detection, personalized medicine, and stronger health systems. The time to act is now. #Genomics #AIinAfrica #AfricaCDC
Sofonias K Tessema retweeted
Africa’s future won’t be imported.
Sovereignty means owning our path, shaping our destiny.
#AfricaRising #HealthSovereignty #LocalPower
@AfricanAmata @_AfricanUnion @AfricaCDC @ymahmoudali @amma_twumamoah @FINDdx @IfedayoTiffy @Chikwe_I @UNAIDS @PaulKagame @DrSenait @DrTedros @HelenClarkNZ @AbdoulayeDiop8 @AbdoulDieng5
Connectivity is critical to unlock the potential of genomics in Africa. #AfricaPGI’s pilot project, supported by the @gatesfoundation, has already demonstrated the impact of connecting genome sequencing labs with @Starlink satellite internet in Africa. Let’s scale this impact!
The National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) in Eswatini has transformed its public health response through the deployment of Starlink high-speed internet.
This upgrade has reduced genome sequencing turnaround times from several weeks to under seven days, enhancing both the efficiency and accuracy of TB diagnostics and surveillance.
Supported by the @gatesfoundation, in collaboration with @AfricaCDC and ASLM, this initiative highlights the transformative power of digital connectivity in strengthening genomic surveillance across Africa.
See more:
#GenomicSurveillance #ProjectStarlink #Genomics
🧬 Africa is making significant strides in public-health genomics and bioinformatics, but sustaining this momentum is critical. Very excited to share our new @NatureMedicine article led by #HarrisOnywera. Here's a thread 👇
nature.com/articles/s41591-0…
We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of all training institutions that hosted the trainings and the dedicated trainers who worked relentlessly to make these programs a success. Your commitment is the backbone of Africa’s genomics future. #Gratitude
📣 Governments and public health institutions must invest in people - attracting, training, and retaining talent. A resilient, fit-for-purpose, and fit-to-practice workforce in genomics and bioinformatics is a front-line defense against future pandemics. #AfricaCDC #AfricaPGI