Whole Genome Sequencing
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) offers a high-resolution analysis of pathogens by decoding their complete genetic material. This technology enables the almost real-time identification of transmission chains, detection of mutations, monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and virulence potential, and tracking of emerging variants with exceptional precision.
Ethiopia faces a high burden of infectious diseases, with many outbreaks occurring in settings with limited diagnostic resources. WGS provides a valuable tool for understanding local pathogen dynamics, improving outbreak response, and supporting evidence-based public health decisions. By generating detailed genomic data, WGS strengthens surveillance, increases diagnostic accuracy, and guides more effective treatment strategies.
EpiGen Ethiopia: Building Scalable Pathogen Genomic Epidemiology in Ethiopia
The global increase in epidemics poses ever greater challenges for public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This makes the timely generation of genetic data on pathogens more important for the early detection and targeted monitoring of outbreaks and the initiation of effective measures.
The EpiGen Ethiopia project (Website: https://epigenethiopia.org), funded by the European Union's EDCTP program, aims to significantly improve the diagnosis and monitoring of outbreaks in Ethiopia using next-generation genome sequencing (NGS). The goal is to enable a rapid and informed response to infectious disease events using modern molecular methods.
With the participation of three EU partner countries and eight Ethiopian partner institutions, including the Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine (HITM) and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), the project has the following key objectives:
- Establishment of laboratory and sequencing capacities at the participating institutions
- Performance of real-time genome sequencing during outbreaks
- Development of digital tools for rapid analysis, visualization, and sharing of data
- Training of medical and scientific personnel
- Collaboration with local health authorities to implement targeted measures
- Research on pathogen development, resistance, and transmission routes
- Development of guidelines for the use of genomic data in the public health context
The project is already showing initial successes: for example, during a measles outbreak in Asella in 2024, initial genome data was collected and successfully evaluated. Further investigations concern HIV and antimicrobial resistance, among other things.
The EpiGen Ethiopia project is thus making a decisive contribution to strengthening health systems and improving epidemic control in sub-Saharan Africa.
