African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases

The African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), led by Dr. Christian Happi and Dr. Pardis Sabeti, was one of the first organizations to respond to the 2014 appearance of Ebola in Lagos, Nigeria. Their work allowed for a rapid and effective response by the Ministry of Health, which prevented the spread of the disease in a city of over 20 million people. In partnership with the Broad Institute and MASS Design Group, ACEGID is leading an effort to further equip the entire African continent to stop future epidemics even more quickly and effectively. Central to this initiative is the construction of a new genomics laboratory located in Ede, Nigeria. The new building will be the first genomics research lab of its kind in Nigeria, enabling African scientists to use cutting edge technology in a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) facility that can handle highly toxic pathogens. The new center will build capacity by training a critical mass of African scientists in genomics-based tools for the control and elimination of infectious diseases. By sharing these findings globally, ACEGID will become part of a bio-surveillance network monitoring some of the world’s greatest health threats and supporting clinical care.

To encourage connections between people and their environment, the center is designed to increase collaboration between scientists, students, and international partners through an integrated layout of labs, shared space, offices, and classrooms. This will allow all collaborators to share ideas more fluidly, rather than in the traditional silos of lab spaces. The building is also a showcase for the high tech potential of locally available materials such as stabilized rammed earth walls.

In March 2020, ACEGID contributed to mapping the first African SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence within Africa. ACEGID has been sharing information with the Nigerian public on how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and is continuing to provide local and national support.