On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM) kickstarted a five-day workshop on Genomic Sequencing for Cholera Control organised by PulseNET Africa in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Association of Public Health Laboratories, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bringing together 17 scientists from 14 African countries, the workshop is aimed at enhancing the skills of public health laboratory scientists across Africa, enabling them to better monitor and manage cholera outbreaks using advanced genetic techniques.

During the welcome ceremony, Davis Nwakanma, the Chief Operations Officer at MRCG at LSHTM, encouraged the participants to make the most of their time at MRCG. "We take pride in our commitment to scientific advancement, which extends beyond The Gambia, and it is a pleasure to welcome participants from various across the continent," he remarked.

Jessica Rowiland, a Bioinformatics Specialist in Global Health at APHL and one of the facilitators, commented, "it's incredibly rewarding to collaborate with MRCG, known for their excellence in training. This initiative holds great potential. Being the first training for PulseNet Africa members using the ONT, we are confident that the MRCG can become a hub for future training." 

Professor Assan Jaye, Head of Research Training and Career Development, underscored MRCG's commitment to supporting, scaling up, and advancing research quality. "Through our mentorship, grant writing, and leadership skills programs, we aim to foster collaboration and provide a launching pad for young scientists. We are a hub for emerging talent and offer valuable networking opportunities," he emphasised.

The training focused on hands-on laboratory sessions where participants explored the use of the Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) to sequence Vibrio cholerae DNA. This practical training covered everything from sample preparation to operating sequencing machines. Additionally, participants received training on genomic data analysis using the Terra platform, including identifying genetic markers and understanding antibiotic resistance. It also featured collaborative data analysis sessions where participants worked together to interpret results and gain insights into cholera bacteria spread and resistance patterns.

All in all, the workshop forms part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of African scientists to respond to cholera outbreaks. By equipping researchers with advanced genomic tools and techniques, PulseNet Africa seeks to enhance disease monitoring and control efforts. The skills acquired from this training are expected to bolster public health responses, facilitating faster and more effective interventions during cholera outbreaks.