Expansion and support of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing in West and Central Africa to support the COVID-19 pandemic response

The recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) have altered transmissibility, virulence and susceptibility to neutralising antibodies, leading to concern over the potential for new variants to emerge that have increased resistance to vaccine-induced immunity. This has led to a renewed focus on the deployment of whole-genome sequencing surveillance to detect variants early, to stop or slow their spread, and to enable vaccine programmes to adapt.

However, despite increased genome sequencing, disparity in access to laboratory support and genomic sequencing across the globe has become increasingly evident: to date West and Central Africa produced ~2,000 sequences (<0.002% of all sequences available) vs >400,000 from the UK. The VOCs such as P.1 in Brazil and B.1.351 in South Africa can emerge anywhere, further highlighting the urgent unmet need to develop sustainable solutions for COVID-19 sequencing in this underserved region.

This proposal builds on the experience of the ARTIC network and regional collaborators to support SARS-CoV-2 sequencing in West and Central Africa.