ACE for Genomics of Infectious Diseases
Redeemer´s University, Ede
- Center Leader(s):
Prof. Christian T. Happi / Dr. Onikepe A. Folarin - Email:
happic@run.edu.ng / folarino@run.edu.ng - URL:
http://www.acegid.org / http://acegid.run.edu.ng
Discipline
- Health
Key Academic Partners
National and international partners including:
- Universite Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal.
- University of Sierra Leone.
- Noguchi Institute, University of Ghana
- University of Buae, Cameroon.
- Harvard University, USA
- Tulane University New Orleans
- Global health Institute, Duke University, North Carolina USA.
Existing Industry/Private Sector Partners
- Kenema Government Hospital
- Broad Institute
Existing Industry/Private Sector Partners
Recent advances in genomic technologies for studying humans and microbes have the potential to transform the clinical care, understanding of infectious diseases, improve disease surveillance, and prevent outbreaks. In order to truly participate in this genomic revolution, African researchers must be equipped with knowledge of cutting- edge genomics tools, and multidisciplinary approaches to carry out fully independent and high impact research. ACEGID has as a mandate to: (1) Develop African research capacity in genomics by building a critical mass of well-trained scientists; (2) Empower African researchers to optimally utilize genomics knowledge and tools towards control and elimination of infectious diseases; (3) Create and establish genomics curricula to support and promote cutting-edge genomics-based research for health advancement; (4) Create a vibrant academic and research environment that is free of outside influences, and that transcends national boundaries and ensures the conduct of relevant, responsive, ethical and high quality translational genomics-based research on health in Africa, and (5) Engage communities in prevention efforts, public health sponsored activities, and education. This effort has already demonstrated the positive impact of high quality translational genomics- based research in Africa, with the development of new tools and countermeasures for wide ranging public health challenges, including Ebola virus disease, Lassa fever virus and Monkeypox virus outbreaks in West Africa between 2014 and 2018. By continuing building capacity for state-of-the-art genome sequencing and field-deployable genetic tools for microbial infections in Africa, we can support clinical care of the most devastating diseases and enable a surveillance network for some of the world’s greatest global health threats.