Third Tofo Advanced Study Week on Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, 2018

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Emerging and re-emerging RNA viruses pose significant threats in Africa.
• The Third Tofo Advanced Study Week (3rd TASW) addressed these challenges.
• The study week focused on viruses endemic and epidemic in sub-Saharan countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize lectures and highlight advances presented at the 3rd TASW.
• To foster collaborations among researchers in Africa and globally.
• To discuss epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of emerging RNA viruses.

Main Methods:

• The 3rd TASW brought together 55 participants from 10 African countries and other international locations.
• Meeting sessions covered diverse aspects of emerging RNA virus research.
• Presentations included data on recent outbreaks and endemic viral threats.

Main Results:

• The study week covered a wide range of emerging RNA viruses, including flaviviruses, alphaviruses, coronaviruses, filoviruses, and others.
• Recent outbreak data from Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mozambique were presented.
• Advances in epidemiology, diagnosis, molecular biology, vaccine development, and antiviral drug discovery were discussed.

Conclusions:

• The TASW series is a unique and successful initiative in Africa for advancing viral research.
• The event successfully promoted collaborations among African scientists and with international researchers.
• Continued research and collaboration are crucial for addressing emerging RNA virus threats in Africa.