WACCBIP in collaboration with the ARTIC Network commenced its two-week training workshop on SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing as part of its FCDO/Wellcome funded project; Expansion and Support of SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing in West and Central Africa to Support the COVID-19 Pandemic Response.
Professor Osbourne Quaye, Head of Department - Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, welcomed participants from many African countries, including Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Mali, Cameroon, and Guinea Conakry.
Prof. Osbourne Quaye delivering a welcome address to participants at the start of the 2-week long workshop.
Professor Andrew Rambaut delivered a presentation on ARTICS’s genomic surveillance and sequencing activities, including HNV, influenza and Ebola, after which the participants toured WACCBIP’s facilities.
Prof. Andrew Rambaut speaking on ARTIC Network's activities.
Dr Áine O'Toole also spoke about SARS-CoV-2 evolution and lineages, providing background on the naming system for evolving SARS-CoV-2 lineages and how it has adapted to account for recombinant strains, as well as the challenges still faced when dealing with COVID data. Dr Daniel Maloney also provided insights on Nanopore sequencing, highlighting the development of sequencing technologies over the years.
Dr. Áine O'Toole speaking on SARS-CoV-2 evolution and lineages.
Dr. Daniel Maloney speaking on Nanopore sequencing.
The participants were then grouped and briefed on key information about upcoming practical sessions in an open discussion to round off Day 1 activities.
Participants touring the WACCBIP facilities.
