Mozambique launches ten-year integrated genomics strategic plan

GenPath Africa consortium member Dr Eduardo Samo Gudo (Instituto Nacional de Saúde), speaking at the launch of Mozambique’s integrated genomics strategic plan.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mozambique has been part of global networks using genomic data to track and characterise pathogens of public health concern. However, the use of genomics to inform public health action in the country is still quite limited.

Now, the Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), under the leadership of GenPath Africa consortium member Dr Eduardo Samo Gudo, has launched a key initiative to expand the country’s genomics efforts: an integrated genomics strategic plan for Mozambique (Plano Estratégico da Genómica Integrada de Moçambique (PLAGIM)), to be implemented from 2026 to 2035.

Developed in partnership with multiple public health institutions, this new plan recognises the importance of genomics within a One Health framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health into Mozambique’s public health efforts. Over the next ten years, the plan will help create a unified and sustainable national system for the generation, analysis, and use of genomic data and ensure that genomics will contribute to a resilient public health system that will continuously adapt to new health challenges.

According to Dr Samo Gudo, this initiative marks an important milestone for genomic surveillance in Mozambique and will help to translate the country’s new genomic capabilities into action against future disease threats.

GenPath Africa’s foundational role 

Members of the GenPath Africa consortium and the work they have undertaken over the past few years as part of the project played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for this initiative. Through the project’s partnership between INS and Stellenbosch University, Mozambique has significantly strengthened its capacity for genomic sequencing and surveillance of pathogen, and GenPath Africa’s example of a One Health approach to pathogen control has been instrumental in shaping the vision and framework of this new national plan.

As Dr. Nália Ismael explains, “Being part of this community was important because GenPath Africa’s One Health approach to genomic surveillance helped us envision how integrated systems can be the key to answer critical public health questions and how genomics could transform public health efforts in Mozambique.

You can learn more about GenPath Africa’s collaboration with partners in Mozambique in this video.