The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has launched the National Genomics Sequencing Consortium to significantly prevent and respond to acute threats that could endanger the health of citizens as well as enhance the nation’s public health infrastructure.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris who spoke during the inauguration in Abuja, maintained that genomic sequencing was critical in the country as it would strengthen preparedness for emerging threats and pathogens as well as attract international research funding that would harness its economic importance.
“The new strategy aims to enhance connectivity between disease control programs and surveillance networks. Investments made during the pandemic to upscale laboratory capacities have yet to be fully utilized due to limited synergy among programs.”
Dr. Idris further explained that the consortium would oversee genomic surveillance across multiple health sectors, facilitate collaboration among diverse researchers was and enhance bio security measures and reinforce Nigeria’s health security.
“The National Genomic Sequencing Consortium will coordinate and oversee the implementation of surveillance strategies, fostering collaboration and resource sharing among researchers and institutions. This initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s health security and position the country as a key player in global genomic research.”
Director, African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Prof. Christian Happi noted that the centre was committed to saving lives.
Prof. Happi added that tackling the challenges faced in genomic sequencing would help in advancing genomic research and public health in the country.
“Handling the vast data generated by genomic sequencing requires specialized skills. There was a notable gap in trained professionals, leading to analysis bottlenecks and delays in outbreak responses.”
On his part, a Professor of Virology, Sunday Omilabu appealed to the federal government to increase its sequencing capacity of skilled human resources in the field of pathogen genomics and bioinformatics, to forestall the spread of diseases in the face of emerging threats.
RN
