The World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a network of laboratories to reinforce genome sequencing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes Covid-19.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Africa CDC, 12 specialised and regional reference laboratories in the network will provide sequencing, data analysis and other technical support services to the countries where they are located as well as to neighbouring countries and countries in their sub-regions.

This comes after several African countries have expanded Covid-19 testing as the virus continues to spread across the continent.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, said that as they try to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa, being able to not only track its evolution but also assess the possible mutation of the virus is crucial to mounting an effective response.

“Through this new laboratory network dedicated to genome sequencing we can better develop vaccines and treatment which are tailored to Africans and eventually bring Covid-19 under control,” added Moeti.

According to the latest data, the virus seems to be slowing down considerably across the continent. However, authorities are concerned that people thinking the virus no longer exists or won’t affect might lead to a second wave.

Real-time tracking website Worldometer reports that as of Friday there were 1,336,407 cases on the continent.

Just over a million Africans have recovered from the deadly virus.

According to the Africa CDC, ongoing sequencing is already providing crucial information for determining the type of SARS-CoV-2 lineage circulating in some countries.

Reports show that most SARS-CoV-2 genomes circulating in Africa are assigned to the B.1 lineage which emerged from the epidemic in Europe.
In Africa, 10 lineages have been identified and more than 80,000 sequences have been produced globally, according to the Africa CDC.

The centre said the establishment of the Covid-19 sequencing network will help improve surveillance in Africa and help countries to effectively manage and control the pandemic.

Dr John Nkengasong, director of the Africa CDC, said that as the Covid-19 curve flattens in Africa, it is essential that everyone be prepared for a possible resurgence as observed in some countries.

The centre, the WHO and other partners are providing member states with sequencing equipment, reagents and technical support to accelerate SARS-CoV-2 sequencing in Africa, it said.