GenPath Africa

The overall goal of the GenPath Africa project is to harness the full potential of genomic sequencing by applying it to diagnosis, monitoring and clinical management of current and emerging pathogens.

The project will use genomic sequencing to combat drug-resistant HIV-1 and tuberculosis, and apply recent developments in wastewater surveillance to detect emerging pathogens in human and animal populations. GenPath Africa will also provide in-depth training in genomic sequencing to African scientists and facilitate the transfer of technology to the National Public Health Institute of Mozambique and the South African National Health Laboratory Service. The project endeavours to expand genomic sequencing capacities in Africa and combine genomic epidemiology with precision medicine and public health decision making, thus enabling a better response to current and future pandemics.

GenPath Africa is part of the GenEpi Network, which consists of six projects funded through the topic GH-EDCTP3-2022-CALL1-01-03 and connects them with ongoing BMGF-funded initiatives.

Title

Genomic surveillance to control pathogen infections in Africa
Funder(s)

Global Health EDCTP3, BMGF
Duration

1 May 2023 – 30 April 2027 (48 months)
Total Funding

4,999,170.25 EUR
Coordinator

Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, Stellenbosch University (SU)
Partners

5 partners (GenPath Africa) and 49 partners, respectively (EDCTP3 funded projects in the GenEpi Network) from Africa and Europe
Website

https://www.genpath-africa.org

How LINQ supports GenPath Africa

  • . Project Management
  • . Dissemination and Communication 
  • . Negotiation and Coordination of the Collaboration Agreement across the GenEpi Network
  • . Leading the GenEpi Network’s Communication and Policy Translation Working Group
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Supporting coordination from South Africa

GenPath Africa is one of the first projects implemented under the new EDCTP3 programme, and is proudly coordinated from South Africa. LINQ works closely together with the coordinator and all project partners. Our team supports the consortium in a wide variety of management activities by ensuring an efficient management and networking infrastructure, organizes regular meetings – both virtually and in person (eg in Cape Town) – and coordinates internal communication amongst partners.

Further, LINQ provides dissemination, exploitation and communication support across the entire project. We have created and manage a project website, publish regular articles highlighting project activities and milestones and help the project maximize visibility and uptake of its research results by communicating them to the wider public as well as policy makers.

Navigating a special constellation of co-funders

GenPath Africa is one of six projects funded by the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Together these projects form the GenEpi Network, a powerful collaboration that aims to leverage the genomic sequencing capacity being built in Africa to support epidemiology and surveillance of endemic and epidemic pathogens.

This is the first time EDCTP3 and the Gates Foundation have worked together in such a special constellation as co-funders. LINQ played a key role in ensuring that this exciting new partnership starts smoothly by coordinating the negotiation of a network-wide Collaboration Agreement between all 49 EDCTP3-funded GenEpi Network partners.

The network itself is organized in working groups, of which LINQ leads the Communication and Policy Translation Working Group. In addition to organizing regular meetings, we have set up a website for the Network and facilitate internal communications across the different projects and its many partners supported by the two funders. Through this, we will help the GenEpi Network realize its larger goal of translating valuable research into public health policy and decision-making.

"It is a great pleasure to work with the LINQ team. Their unparalleled professionalism and remarkable efficiency have been instrumental in helping us execute the GenPath Africa vision and mission. LINQ's exceptional communication skills ensure seamless coordination and execution of every project phase, significantly enhancing our operations and enabling us to achieve our goals with precision and effectiveness. We deeply value our partnership with LINQ." Prof Tulio de Oliveira
Stellenbosch University
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