Africa CDC Boosts Burundi’s Laboratory Capacity for Mpox Response

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) recently bolstered its public health efforts by enhancing laboratory capacities to combat mpox and other outbreaks in Burundi. This initiative is part of Africa CDC’s broader commitment to empowering African nations with the tools and expertise necessary to detect and respond to disease threats efficiently.

From September 30 to October 4, 2024, the Africa CDC, in collaboration with the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) in Bujumbura, Burundi, conducted a series of comprehensive training sessions. These sessions focused on sample management, referral, biosafety, and biosecurity protocols, integral components for managing contagious diseases like mpox. The training saw active participation from 17 representatives from various provinces, all geared towards raising the bar for laboratory practices in the country.

Dr. Yenew Kebede Tebeje, Acting Director of the Centre of Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems at the Africa CDC, underscored the importance of these efforts. He stated that Africa CDC’s support to Burundi aligns with a continental initiative designed to enhance laboratory systems for early warning surveillance and outbreak detection. This support is vital for mounting effective responses to health crises.

The training emphasized practical skills in the safe handling and transportation of biological samples. Highlighting the importance of biosafety and biosecurity, it aimed to shield healthcare workers and communities from potential exposure to infectious agents. Moreover, participants received hands-on experience in biorisk management, bioethics, occupational health, and infection prevention, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world applications.

Professor Joseph Nyandwi, Director General for INSP, opened the sessions by emphasizing the pivotal role of managing sample integrity and minimizing transmission risks. He noted that the training represents a significant move toward instilling a culture of caution and professionalism in handling dangerous pathogens.

In addition to training, Africa CDC fortified Burundi’s response capabilities by donating critical resources such as an Illumina MiniSeq sequencing system, reagents, high-performance computer servers, mpox qPCR testing kits, and other essential consumables. Dr. Yenew Kebede highlighted that these resources would significantly enhance Burundi’s molecular testing and sequencing capabilities, providing the country with the means for accurate and timely detection of mpox cases.

Africa CDC’s initiative in Burundi exemplifies a region-wide strategy to enhance laboratory networks and systems, ultimately strengthening public health responses and ensuring resilience against infectious disease outbreaks across Africa.