Establishing robust systems to monitor and analyse genetic information from pathogens helps South Africa to quickly detect and track changes in viruses proactively. This allows for faster responses to outbreaks and enhances pandemic preparedness in the country and the entire region.
On 24th of June, the new phase of the Genomic Surveillance Project - a major public health collaboration to scale up monitoring and analysing genetic information from pathogens – was officially launched in Cape Town. It is a collaboration between the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as part of the GIZ SAVax Programme. SAVax is co-funded by the German Government, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the European Union (EU) and implemented in partnership with the South African Department of Health and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. The funding is part of the Team Europe Initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies in Africa (MAV+), which aims to bolster local vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and access to health technologies on the continent.
The new phase of the Genomic Surveillance Project will build on existing progress with additional funding of ZAR 9 million, bringing total investment in the partnership to ZAR 12 million. This funding is important to continue genomics surveillance for the most important pathogens, including respiratory pathogens of pandemic potential like Avian Influenza H5N1 and potential new coronaviruses.
This collaboration shows the strong partnership between South Africa, Germany and European Union in cooperating on science for global health security and pandemic preparedness. Through capacity building measures and increased data sharing, national and regional data repositories and networks can be built and fostered. The partnership therefore reinforces a shared commitment to scientific excellence, equity, and proactive epidemic response across Africa.
The launch event at the CERI Headquarters on Stellenbosch University's Tygerberg Campus included a tour of laboratories, a panel discussion and a grant award ceremony attended by senior officials and dignitaries.
Mr. Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz, EU Deputy Ambassador to South Africa, emphasised the importance of South Africa as a strategic partner: “We are delighted to expand the collaboration with South Africa". To support pandemic preparedness and equity across the African continent, the Team Europe Initiative MAV+ mobilizes resources among EU member states. In South Africa the European Union through MAV+ has mobilized already over 700 Mio EUR of which 10 Mio EUR so far support research infrastructure.
Garrido stated: “There is one aspect at the core of the approach which is research and development. A robust local research framework that enhances self-sufficiency and empowers nations to respond independently to health crisis."
Emphasising on the importance of the Team Europe Initiative MAV+ Sven Hartwig, Deputy Consul General to the German Consulate General in Cape Town stated: “It is an honour for the German cooperation to contribute to the Team Europe Initiative MAV+ and to work alongside dedicated partners like CERI."
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration for global health: “This launch highlights that surveillance for pandemic preparedness relies on partnership and collaboration between the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society. Germany is therefore particularly proud to continue supporting genomic surveillance and remains steadfast in its commitment to share global health goals."
Dr Anban Pillay, Deputy Director General from the National Department of Health underlined the importance of this partnership and the new programme by stating: “The work of CERI and the University of Stellenbosch foster a culture of collaboration."
Claudia Aguirre, head of the GIZ SAVax programme underlined the strong partnership with CERI, which has started in 2023. Looking ahead she stated: “In this new collaboration these capacity building efforts will be expanded. We look forward to supporting CERI in its journey to develop science on the African continent and contribute to the development of solutions by African scientists for Africa".
“This partnership exemplifies how science, government, and international cooperation can come together to strengthen public health systems and respond more effectively to epidemic threats," said Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Director of CERI. “This is especially important for respiratory pathogens and new pathogens like Mpox, which have pandemic potential. The economic cost of a pandemic is so large that preventing it is a very wise and cost-effective investment".
During the first phase of the CERI project (2023-2024) the initiative sequenced over 1,000 pathogen genomes, trained over 50 African scientists, and enhanced data-sharing protocols to improve outbreak response capabilities.
In the second CERI project phase (2025-2026) efforts are underway to expand genomic surveillance for respiratory pathogens like influenza, RSV, H5N1 avian flu, and emerging COVID-19 strains, while promoting the integration of genomic data into public health policy. South Africa is a key player in global biosecurity, with becoming the second Southern Hemisphere country after Australia to provide real-time genomic tracking of winter disease pathogens. Furthermore, efforts are focused on strengthening laboratory infrastructure and testing in under-resourced provinces while supporting the training and career development of scientists at Historically Disadvantaged Universities in South Africa.
About CERI
The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation is a world-leading research centre at Stellenbosch University focused on using genomics and data science to track and respond to infectious disease outbreaks across Africa.
Caption:
Sven Hartwig - the Deputy Consul General to the German Consulate General in Cape Town; Dr. Anban Pillay, Deputy Director General - Department of Health; Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz, Deputy Ambassador of EU Delegation, to South Africa; and, Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, Director - Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation
