Experts Declare War on Lassa Fever with Launch of Innovative Consortium

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding public health with the launch of the National Genomics Sequencing Consortium. This initiative aims not only to protect citizens from acute health risks but also to bolster the country’s public health infrastructure.

Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, emphasized the critical importance of genomic sequencing in Nigeria. By enhancing our readiness for emerging threats and attracting international research funding, genomic sequencing holds promise for both public health preparedness and economic development.

The consortium’s objectives include improving connectivity among disease control programs and surveillance networks. Dr. Idris highlighted that despite investments to enhance laboratory capacities during the pandemic, there has been limited synergy among programs. The consortium seeks to address this gap.

In overseeing genomic surveillance across various health sectors, the consortium will foster collaboration among researchers and institutions. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen Nigeria’s health security and position the country as a significant contributor to global genomic research efforts.

Prof. Christian Happi, Director of the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, reaffirmed the center’s commitment to saving lives. He stressed the importance of overcoming challenges in genomic sequencing to advance research and public health initiatives.

Specialized skills are required to handle the vast amount of data generated by genomic sequencing. Prof. Happi noted a shortage of trained professionals, leading to bottlenecks in analysis and delays in outbreak responses.

In light of these challenges, Prof. Sunday Omilabu, a Virology expert, urged the federal government to prioritize increasing sequencing capacity and training skilled professionals in pathogen genomics and bioinformatics. This proactive approach is crucial for effectively combating the spread of diseases amid emerging threats.