Empowering public health: building advanced molecular surveillance in resource-limited settings through collaboration and capacity-building

Hornel Koudokpon ¹, Boris Lègba ¹, Kevin Sintondji ¹

⁰Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.

Frontiers in Health Services +

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July 3, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study details establishing an advanced molecular surveillance system in Mali, enhancing infectious disease monitoring. The collaboration strengthened global health security through capacity-building and resource sharing.

Area Of Science

Public Health
Infectious Disease Surveillance
Genomic Epidemiology

Background

Effective public health response relies on rapid infectious disease detection and continuous surveillance.
Advanced molecular surveillance is vital for pandemic mitigation but faces challenges in developing countries.
Resource limitations hinder the establishment of sophisticated public health infrastructure in many nations.

Purpose Of The Study

To describe the implementation of a state-of-the-art molecular surveillance system in Mali.
To highlight a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and tutoring-based approach to capacity building.
To share experiences and outcomes of establishing genomic surveillance in a resource-limited setting.

Main Methods

Conducted a thorough assessment of existing infrastructure and human resources in Mali.
Developed and validated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for advanced molecular surveillance.
Provided capacity-building on sequencing techniques for 25 Malian biologists and international tutoring for 8 professionals.

Main Results

Successfully established an advanced molecular surveillance system in Mali.
Enhanced the capabilities of Malian public health professionals in molecular techniques.
Aligned Mali's surveillance system with the World Health Organization's global strategy for genomic surveillance.

Conclusions

Collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts are effective in building advanced molecular surveillance systems in developing countries.
Capacity-building and international tutoring are crucial for strengthening global health security.
The initiative provides a model for other resource-limited nations aiming to enhance pandemic preparedness.

Keywords:

Mali advanced molecular surveillance system capacity building policy tutoring