Sofonias K Tessema

🧬Committed to strengthening capacity, systems, and networks to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious disease threats

[Florian Krammer @florian_krammer]

Very good, the sequence from the Swiss patient is out: https://t.co/K6CASQ1P6L

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

#Malaria “Elimination is fundamentally about equity, reaching those who are consistent” @LekeRose

[Rose Gana F.Leke @LekeRose]

Eliminating malaria is fundamentally about equity because the disease persists where systems are weakest- remote, underserved, & cross-border communities.

Read more on my co-authored op-ed with Dr. Seynudé Jean Fortune Dagnon on the shift to elimination.
https://t.co/cZJLGY4igQ

[Dr Jean Kaseya @Dr_JeanKaseya]

Today, I am proud to launch the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics (ASAG) — an African-led advisory body to guide how the continent governs, generates and uses genomic data to protect our people.

ASAG will strengthen disease surveillance, enhance epidemic preparedness, support ethical data governance and accelerate the development of African-led medical countermeasures — placing Africa at the centre of the global health security agenda.

This is genomics on Africa’s terms: coordinated, ethical and grounded in our priorities.

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Aujourd’hui, je suis fier d’annoncer le lancement du Groupe consultatif stratégique africain sur la génomique (ASAG) — un organe consultatif dirigé par l’Afrique, chargé d’orienter la manière dont le continent gouverne, produit et utilise les données génomiques pour protéger nos populations.

L’ASAG contribuera à renforcer la surveillance des maladies, améliorer la préparation aux épidémies, soutenir une gouvernance éthique des données et accélérer le développement de contre-mesures médicales dirigées par l’Afrique — plaçant le continent au cœur de l’agenda mondial de la sécurité sanitaire.

Il s’agit d’une génomique définie selon les priorités de l’Afrique : coordonnée, éthique et ancrée dans nos réalités.

Read more: https://t.co/bjP8Tcclcj

[Chikwe Ihekweazu @Chikwe_I]

Today, the International Pathogen Surveillance Network, hosted by the @WHO Hub in Berlin, launched US$ 1.8 million in catalytic grants to strengthen genomic, wastewater & environmental surveillance in low -and- middle-income countries

More info to apply: https://t.co/5eVJDs5BWl

[Dr Sabin Nsanzimana @nsanzimanasabin]

Rwanda’s Akagera National Park 🇷🇼 @AkageraPark has been named one of @NatGeo’s Best Destinations in the World 2026 🌍✨.

A proud recognition of Rwanda’s natural beauty and conservation excellence.🦁 🦏 🐘 🐆 🐃🌿 #VisitRwanda #Akagera #NatGeo
https://t.co/ArhcCTt6KV

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

እንኳን ደስ አለን!!

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

Another testament for Africa’s growing genomics capacity

[Pathogen Genomic Lab - INRB @labgenpath]

The 16th Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Bulape Health Zone, Kasai, DRC. We were able to generate an accurate consensus genome in less than one hour starting from the library preparation. The newly EBOV genome is 99.97% complete and consists of 18,819 nucleotides.
https://t.co/JurkTCufyV

#outbreak #EbolaVirusDisease

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

9/With AI, the continent can leap into a future of real-time outbreak detection, personalized medicine, and stronger health systems. The time to act is now. #Genomics #AIinAfrica #AfricaCDC

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

1/ A new continent-wide survey led by @AfricaCDC explores awareness, adoption, and barriers to AI use in genomics across 46 AU Member States. Here's what we found. 👇 #AIinAfrica #Genomics

https://t.co/kUn3xLPTrx

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

8/ AI presents a leapfrogging opportunity to address workforce shortages, data infrastructure gaps, and fragmented systems. However, its implementation requires substantial investment in local tools, data systems, governance, and training.

[Michel Sidibé @MichelSidibe]

Africa’s future won’t be imported.
Sovereignty means owning our path, shaping our destiny.
#AfricaRising #HealthSovereignty #LocalPower

@AfricanAmata @_AfricanUnion @AfricaCDC @ymahmoudali @amma_twumamoah @FINDdx @IfedayoTiffy @Chikwe_I @UNAIDS @PaulKagame @DrSenait @DrTedros @HelenClarkNZ @AbdoulayeDiop8 @AbdoulDieng5

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

Connectivity is critical to unlock the potential of genomics in Africa. #AfricaPGI’s pilot project, supported by the @gatesfoundation, has already demonstrated the impact of connecting genome sequencing labs with @Starlink satellite internet in Africa. Let’s scale this impact!

[ASLM @ASLM_News]

The National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) in Eswatini has transformed its public health response through the deployment of Starlink high-speed internet.

This upgrade has reduced genome sequencing turnaround times from several weeks to under seven days, enhancing both the efficiency and accuracy of TB diagnostics and surveillance.

Supported by the @gatesfoundation, in collaboration with @AfricaCDC and ASLM, this initiative highlights the transformative power of digital connectivity in strengthening genomic surveillance across Africa.

See more:

#GenomicSurveillance #ProjectStarlink #Genomics

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

📣 Governments and public health institutions must invest in people - attracting, training, and retaining talent. A resilient, fit-for-purpose, and fit-to-practice workforce in genomics and bioinformatics is a front-line defense against future pandemics. #AfricaCDC #AfricaPGI

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

🧬 Africa is making significant strides in public-health genomics and bioinformatics, but sustaining this momentum is critical. Very excited to share our new @NatureMedicine article led by #HarrisOnywera. Here's a thread 👇
https://t.co/7z9cOZ2rCM

[Sofonias K Tessema @sofoniaskt]

We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of all training institutions that hosted the trainings and the dedicated trainers who worked relentlessly to make these programs a success. Your commitment is the backbone of Africa’s genomics future. #Gratitude