January to March 2024 :
– The newsletter describing PDNA-GEME activities was published.
– Manuscript on qualitative analysis submitted for publication to BMC Global Health.
March 2024:
– The first hands-on training of NMCP technical staff in molecular biology was completed. The workshop was very well received. A video was produced by the trainees and is available on the network’s youtube.
– A second workshop will be organized in the second quarter for those who were unable to attend the first training session.
– A video has been produced on demystifying pathogen genomics.
– We intend to undertake closer engagement, either by the GEME NAAP leadership, or by the respective NAAP IPs, to promote deeper engagement with NMCPs and encourage the inclusion of Molecular Malaria Surveillance activities in national malaria control strategic plans.
– A symposium was organized at the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.
– We presented the progress of the PDNA – GEME at the World Malaria Day celebrations in our respective countries on April 25, 2024.
– Phase 3 of the project, the impact assessment, will begin in the third quarter of this year. It involves carrying out an impact assessment to determine the benefits that the project has derived from all the activities carried out to date. Phase 3 observers will be particularly interested in evidence of increased interaction between malaria genomics researchers and NMCPs, as well as evidence of use or plans to use genomics for malaria control interventions and policies.
