African Microbiomes in Health and Disease Symposium and the Launch of the Microbial Interactions Laboratory (MIL)
Cape Town, South Africa —The microbiome, which includes the trillions of microorganisms that live in and on the human body, has emerged as a crucial determinant of human health. But, despite Africa’s immense microbiome diversity, information about African microbiomes is significantly underrepresented in global research. Now, a groundbreaking symposium and the opening of a new cutting-edge facility are set to play a part in ensuring that African microbiomes are represented in global knowledge systems, for more inclusive and representative global health solutions.
The African Microbiomes in Health and Disease Symposium will be hosted by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) from October 1-2, 2024. This two-day hybrid event will not only spotlight the significant role of microbiomes in health and disease on the African continent but will also address another sector of health that does not receive the attention it needs: women’s reproductive health. Vaginal microbiomes will be the central focus at this symposium, which brings together local and international stakeholders to shape the future of microbiome research across the African continent.
The symposium will coincide with the launch of the new Microbial Interactions Laboratory (MIL) at the IDM, a cutting-edge facility designed to contribute to the much-needed infrastructure for microbiome research in Africa. This facility will be a key part of a hub for microbiome research, offering support for scientists focused on understanding the impact of microbial communities on health in African contexts.
Focused on driving future solutions, the symposium and new facility aim to address critical research gaps, paving the way for the development of health interventions specifically tailored to African populations. Led by 4 co-chairs, the symposium is already fostering collaborations that will drive local research leadership and ensure the inclusion of African microbiome data in global health solutions. Co-chair Prof Jo-Ann Passmore, Principle Medical Scientists at the IDM (UCT) and Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellow said, “This is a call to action. Africa’s unique microbial diversity holds the key to developing diagnostics and treatments that are relevant not only to Africans but to the world.”
Co-Chair Prof Lenine Liebenberg, Chief Researcher at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University puts it another way “Our diversity grants us a richness of perspectives and expertise. When we collaborate between disciplines, institutions and regions in developing our ideas, abilities, and each other, we fast-track the realisation of our shared visions. Who wouldn’t want more robust, inclusive, and impactful scientific discoveries?”
Key Speakers:
- Jo-Ann Passmore (UCT), Chair of VMRC4Africa, will lead discussions on shaping the future of microbiome research in Africa.
- Elizabeth Bukusi (Kenya Medical Research Institute) will address gender, equity, and ecology in African health research.
- Tulio de Oliveira (Stellenbosch University) will focus on the role of partnerships in empowering African contributions to global health innovation.
- Ntobeko Ntusi (UCT) will explore empowering partnerships within women’s health research ecosystems.
- Jacques Ravel (University of Maryland Baltimore) will discuss microbial data mining and its role in microbiome research.
- Ovokeraye Oduaran (University of the Witwatersrand) will outline the five pillars essential for African microbiome research.
- Rob Knight (University of California, San Diego) will highlight the critical importance of integrating African microbiomes into global databases and explain why Africa’s contribution is vital to the world.
How to Participate:
The event is open to all, with free registration available through the VMRC4Africa website. It will be live-streamed, allowing participants from around the globe to join the conversation, engage with speakers, and contribute to the future of microbiome research in Africa.
Stay updated and register to attend the symposium online at: VMRC4Africa
