Africa CDC launches genomics advisory group and elects Christian Happi chair
Updated
Updated · africacdc.org · May 4
Africa CDC launches genomics advisory group and elects Christian Happi chair
2 articles · Updated · africacdc.org · May 4
The new eight-member ASAG also chose Prof Ghada El-Kamah as co-chair to guide independent, Africa-centred advice on continental genomics programmes.
Africa CDC said the group will advise on standards, capacity building, technology transfer, data governance, privacy, ethics and intellectual property for pathogen and human genomics.
The move builds on the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, which has expanded sequencing and bioinformatics for threats including mpox, cholera, malaria and antimicrobial resistance.
With non-binding advice, how will this new group ensure its ambitious genomic strategies are actually funded and implemented continent-wide?
How will Africa prevent its vast genomic data from becoming an asset for global tech and pharmaceutical companies?
Africa CDC Launches ASAG in 2026 to Drive Genomic Sovereignty and Health Security Across 46 Nations
Overview
In April 2026, Africa CDC established the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics (ASAG) to address rising disease outbreaks, declining donor funding, and Africa's heavy reliance on imported health commodities. ASAG aims to promote ethical governance, fair benefit-sharing, and democratize access to genomics across the continent. Building on initiatives like the African Genomic Data Repository and Analysis Initiative (AGARI), ASAG guides harmonized standards and expands genomics applications to both infectious and non-communicable diseases. By fostering local capacity and innovative financing, ASAG supports Africa's shift toward health sovereignty and resilient systems, ensuring genomics benefits are equitably shared and effectively used to improve public health outcomes.