More North-South collaboration will strengthen disease surveillance in the UK, South Africa, and the world
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Read more about the work of the Genomic Surveillance Unit
The new project will leverage genomic surveillance to monitor respiratory viruses, like influenza, metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 in real-time to boost pandemic preparedness in both the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The partnership will focus on genomic monitoring of respiratory viruses, which are key culprits behind seasonal infections and potential pandemics. By harnessing advanced genomic techniques, researchers in both South Africa and the UK will track emerging variants, identify drug- and vaccine-resistant strains, and provide actionable insights to public health authorities for the development of medical countermeasures.
The project will officially launch on 6 February, 2025, with an event involving representatives from the Sanger Institute’s Genomic Surveillance Unit, The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University, and UK and South African government representatives. Stakeholders will outline their vision for transforming disease surveillance and collaboration on global health, security and science.
This initiative underscores the vital role of data sharing and international collaboration to create a unified, robust surveillance system for faster, more coordinated responses to emerging global health threats. By gathering genomic data on respiratory viruses over two winters in the same year, the project will advance seasonal disease preparedness and provides a unique window on the global spread of disease.
By fostering collaboration between experts in the UK and South Africa, the initiative aims to establish an interconnected system that enables real-time detection, analysis, and action against emerging health threats. In addition to the research milestones, this initiative sets a precedent for fostering equitable global partnerships in health innovation.
The launch event, taking place on 6 February 2025, will showcase the groundbreaking collaboration and a shared vision for expanding the project to other regions. Together with CERI, the GSU aims to build a stronger, more resilient global health system where shared knowledge drives better responses to pandemics and other health challenges.
“Our joint efforts with CERI will enable the development of a robust, integrated surveillance system that will inform public health responses across continents. By combining expertise and infrastructure, we can accelerate the fight against infectious diseases and build capacity to improve global health.”
John Sillitoe, Director of the Genomic Surveillance Unit at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
“This partnership is about building bridges between the northern and southern hemispheres to ensure that both regions are better prepared for future health challenges. In the age of nationalism and global division, our collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s GSU and the UK FCDO will not only improve global genomic surveillance capabilities but also create a framework for knowledge exchange, biosecurity and capacity building.”
Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Director of CERI and the lead of the team that discovered the SARS-CoV-2 Beta and Omicron variants
“South Africa is taking a leading role in science and research across the continent, and the UK is proud to be supporting this. Together we are collaborating on global health, security and science for a stronger, more resilient future.”
Lord Collins of Highbury, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the FCDO, and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords in the UK, on a visit to CERI.
