SURVIN-STP

Context

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the need to increase laboratory capacities in many countries, including the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. Since 2020, the BNITM has been supporting the country’s Ministry of Health in implementing laboratory diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 under the SToP-CoV project. Nevertheless, there is still room for further improvement in laboratory diagnostics as molecular surveillance is only provided for SARS-CoV-2. It is necessary to address other pathogens that can cause life-threatening infections and have epidemic or pandemic potential. This became especially clear in April 2022 when the first suspected cases of dengue fever were reported on the island of Sao Tome. It highlighted the need to upgrade laboratory infrastructure and staff to help Sao Tome and Principe be better prepared for and respond to future outbreaks and epidemics. SURVIN-STP builds on the previous project and expands existing cooperation, working with laboratory staff, management staff and laboratory technicians.

Objective

Strengthening local laboratory capacities in the areas of molecular diagnostics and genome sequencing for pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential, including wastewater surveillance for the detection of antibiotic resistance.