The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) hosted a sequencing workshop organised by the West African Network of Infectious Diseases ACE (WANIDA).
This workshop was part of the Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 project in West African countries and took place from April 22 to 26, 2024. The workshop brought together members of the WANIDA network, comprising researchers from diverse disciplines across West Africa, aiming to explore the genetic determinants of virulence and pathogenicity of the virus in the host.
The workshop was facilitated by the WACCBIP team consisting of Dr Peter Quashie, Deputy Director of Research and the Principal Investigator for the Project; Dr Lucas Amenga-Etego, Head of Bioinformatics; Joyce Mwongeli Ngoi, Next Generation Sequencing Manager; Dr Collins Misita Moranga'a, Bioinformatician; Francis Dzabeng, Data Manager; Dr Manfreddy Binyet, WANIDA Project Coordinator; Becky Tetteh, MPhil Part Two Student; Angela Ayiku, PhD Y4 Student; Nana Amoako, Bioinformatics Assistant; and the NGS team (Dzidzor Ayeke; Maame Esi Mpere; and Cyril Kuma).
Dr Peter Quashie, set the tone for the workshop with a warm welcome and comprehensive briefing. He outlined the workshop's critical objectives and the expectations of participants, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in understanding the host’s genetic determinants of viral pathogenicity.
Throughout the workshop, participants were deeply engaged in a diverse array of theoretical concepts and hands-on learning opportunities. The sessions explored fundamental concepts such as RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis using advanced computational tools. This workshop worked with real respiratory samples brought by participants. These samples were grouped into four categories: COVID-19 negative samples, COVID-19 positive asymptomatic samples, COVID-19 positive symptomatic non-lethal samples, and fatal COVID-19 samples. The samples were sequenced as part of the training, and data analysis for polymorphisms within the ACEII gene is currently ongoing.
What made this workshop unique was its dedication to hands-on learning. Participants enthusiastically embraced practical exercises, fully immersing themselves in the essential laboratory techniques for molecular epidemiology research. From mastering amplicon preparation techniques to mapping genetic sequences and executing library preparation and sequencing protocols, participants gained invaluable experience that transcended theoretical knowledge. This workshop also focused on generating valuable data for the project and greatly shortened the time it takes to generate data in collaborative projects- most partners now have data from their sites, which will feed into the group output.
This emphasis on practicality ensured that participants left the workshop not only with a deep understanding of theoretical concepts but also with the skills and confidence to apply them in real-world research settings. Such experiential learning moments were invaluable, equipping participants with the tools they need to make tangible contributions to the ongoing fight against COVID-19 in West Africa and beyond. Dr Manfreddy Binyet, reflecting on the workshop, remarked,
"This project will deepen our understanding of events in the West African context, enabling decision-makers to adjust future policies should another pandemic occur."
Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants were awarded certificates of participation, recognising their dedication and commitment to advancing research efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa. This workshop was funded by WANIDA through the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), and The Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
About WANIDA
The West African Network of African Centres of Excellence on Infectious Diseases (WANIDA) was created in 2020 to facilitate interactions, collaborations, and networking between infectious disease CEAs, other health-related CEAs, and non-ACE institutions in the sub-region. It aims to address the shortcomings of existing health systems and better respond to public health challenges in West Africa.
