EDCTP Fellows in the times of COVID-19
Our EDCTP Fellows have been very active across the continent in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries around the world have been in varying degrees of lockdown and have relied heavily on advice from medical specialists, epidemiologists and researchers to guide their response. Please read our EDCTP monthly updates as we showcase the work of our Fellows each month https://www.edctp.org/web/app/uploads/2020/08/EDCTP-Update-July-2020.pdf
Bourema Kouriba - COVID-19 diagnosis in Mali
Professor Bourema Kouriba (a former EDCTP1 senior Fellow) is a pharmacist, immunologist, and the Director General of the Charles Mérieux Centre for Infectiology (CMCI) in Bamako, Mali. He leads a team responsible for diagnostics of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and teaches immunology at the Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bamako.
Since the Ebola epidemic in 2014, the institute developed its diagnostics capabilities with the support of the Institute of Microbiology of the German Army. The German government donated a mobile laboratory to the Malian Ministry of Health under the responsibility of CMCI, which participates with the National Institute of Public Health in epidemiological surveillance and the response to epidemics. Professor Kouriba: "On the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, CMCI and three other
centres were appointed by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs to carry out the diagnostic side. Right now, we are in Timbuktu, a town in the north at 900 km from the capital Bamako. Here, our mobile laboratory is deployed to carry out the COVID19 molecular diagnostic tests. The day begins with the preparation of bleach solutions. Then we organise the team in the different workstations: one person at the reception, two people in the glove box, one person at the RNA extraction and the preparation of the master mix and another at the amplification."
"I take care of entering data and editing the results personally. As soon as the samples are received, their number is counted and communicated to the entire team. Once received, samples are conditioned in a container and transferred to the glove box team whose role is to inactivate these samples. This inactivation is carried out under the control of a witness who notes on the patient form all the steps performed by the operator. After inactivation, the samples are removed from the glove box for RNA extraction. At the same time, one person responsible for preparing the master mix prepares the necessary quantity of reagent. The last step is the real-time PCR. After two hours the results are analysed, interpreted, entered into the
database and printed for the doctor. At the end of the day, the glove compartment and the equipment are cleaned with concentrated bleach." There are several serious challenges:
1. The situation of consumables used for PCR, in particular for extraction kits. With the borders closed, the supply of reagents and consumables in the country is a very big challenge.
2. We receive most of our reagents through donors as the government cannot afford to buy them. Each donor buys reagents, which poses a problem for having a uniform algorithm to interpret the results.
3. Non-compliance with distancing and prevention measures which increases the number of contact cases, hence the number of samples to be tested per day. The laboratory works at least 10 hours a day to meet demand.
"We are in an unprecedented pandemic against which we are actually learning and responding at the same time. Timbuktu is in the north in an insecure area of Mali and the temperature fluctuates between 42 and 46 degrees Celsius. But it is our population and we must guarantee equity in access to care. Everyone should take this pandemic seriously and show solidarity with countries with limited resources because SARS-COV2 does not know borders and does not differentiate between people. Countries must be united in the fight against COVID-19."
Articles
Prof. George Boateng Kyei: Advancing Hiv Research In Africa
In his EDCTP-GSK Senior Fellowship, Professor George Boateng Kyei of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, has not only advanced the search for an HIV cure but also strengthened research capacity across Ghana and the broader African region.
Addressing HIV persistence
HIV remains a pressing public health issue in Africa, with persistent challenges hindering the quest for a cure. This fellowship project focused on one such challenge: the virus’s ability to remain dormant within resting CD4+ T cells, even among individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). By exploring the innovative “shock and kill” approach, the research aimed to reactivate latent HIV and target infected cells for destruction. A notable scientific achievement was the identification and confirmation of three novel epigenetic compounds capable of reactivating latent HIV from virologically suppressed individuals. These findings pave the way for future studies in animal models, with the potential to transition into clinical trials aiming at finding a cure for HIV.
Strengthening research infrastructure
The establishment of a drug screening platform at the University of Ghana stands out as a long-term asset for HIV drug discovery and cure research. Additionally, the project introduced regular viral load monitoring for a substantial cohort of patients—an essential practice previously not standard in Ghana. The data generated from this monitoring has been instrumental in shaping national HIV treatment policies and improving patient care.
Furthermore, the project developed a biobank and a well-characterised cohort of HIV-infected adults, providing invaluable resources for ongoing and future HIV cure research. Insights gathered from patients regarding their perceptions of HIV cure research will inform the design and conduct of subsequent studies in Ghana and across Africa.
Training the next generation of researchers
The impact of the fellowship extends beyond laboratory accomplishments; it has significantly influenced research training and career development. The fellowship helped nurture the growth of junior scientists, many of whom have evolved into independent research leaders, securing competitive grants and fellowships, such as the IAS Research-for-Cure Academy and NIH R21. They have presented their findings at prestigious international conferences, including the African Virology Congress and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).
Post-doctoral fellows have notably received fellowships from esteemed international programmes, such as the Science by Women Fellowship and the NIH CFAR Africure award, showcasing their growing prominence in the research community.
Recognition and awards
Professor Kyei’s mentorship has not gone unnoticed; in April 2024, he received special recognition from the University of Ghana’s Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) for his outstanding mentorship of female academics—an honour highlighted by nominations from his own mentees. The project also celebrated the achievements of its team members, with one post-doc winning Best Senior Research Fellow at the 2024 NMIMR Awards and research assistants earning accolades at the 2024 African Virologist Conference.
Professor Kyei’s research has led to significant international visibility, with his team members winning travel awards to attend prestigious conferences, including the Keystone Symposium and the African Virology Congress. These opportunities have allowed them to present their findings and collaborate with global experts in the field.
Expanding horizons
The EDCTP-GSK Senior Fellowship grant has facilitated the groundwork for additional projects, including a newly awarded Fogarty grant aimed at enhancing HIV basic science and cure research training at the University of Ghana. This grant will train 17 researchers over the next 5 years, further strengthening the research landscape in Ghana.
As the team looks to the future, plans are in place to expand research into HIV reservoir characteristics among virologically suppressed patients across Ghana. This extension not only continues the momentum generated by the EDCTP grant, but also reinforces Ghana’s position as a leader in HIV cure research in Africa and contributes to the global effort to eradicate HIV.
Save The Date! Communications Workshop At The Edctp 2025 Forum
Dear Colleague,
Are you attending the EDCTP 2025 forum in Kigali (Rwanda)?
Don't miss the Communications workshop on Thursday 19 June (15:30 - 17:30 Rwanda time) in room MH3.
The topic of the workshop will be: "From good to great: Mastering communication skills for impactful science
Best,
The EDCTP team.
Call For Proposals: Panel Sessions At Science Forum South Africa 2025
Dear Stakeholder
Science Forum South Africa 2025 (SFSA 2025) will take place from 24 to 28 November 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) in Pretoria, South Africa. This year marks the tenth edition of SFSA, celebrating a decade of igniting vibrant discussions on the role of science in society. The Forum brings together stakeholders from the scientific community, government, industry, and civil society.
We are pleased to invite proposals from individuals and institutions to convene panel sessions as part of the SFSA 2025 programme. These sessions should align with the Forum's theme and sub-themes, and provide an opportunity to engage diverse perspectives in critical conversations.
FORUM THEME
Igniting Conversations: Placing Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Society, and Industry
SUB-THEMES
- Financing for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
- Science and Society Nexus (Agriculture, Health, Climate Change, Just Energy Transition)
- Building Research Capabilities for Africa (STISA 2024)
- The Role of Science Diplomacy
- Emerging Industry – The Role of Disruptive Technologies
- Science Journalism and Science Communication
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
HOW TO SUBMIT
The deadline for proposal submissions is 21 July 2025.
SFSA 2025 is proudly co-hosted by the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) initiative.
We look forward to your participation in shaping the dialogue at SFSA 2025.
Best regards
The SFSA 2025 Organising Committee