Genomic sequencing to better manage Ethiopian epidemics commences

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA - Sunday 13 April 13 2025 (8:30 PM)

Researchers at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) worked throughout the second weekend of April to unlock the genomic code of cholera samples collected nationwide.

Their effort forms part of the European Union-supported EpiGen program to generate pathogen genomic data for public health action. Sequencing the genome of the cholera bacteria (Vibrio cholerae) will help trace the origin of different cholera outbreaks and determine whether the bacteria have mutated.

Over 100 cholera samples have been sequenced so far, and the preliminary results will be presented next month in Rwanda at the Twelfth EDCTP Forum.

“The EpiGen Ethiopia project is excited that sequencing has begun and applauds its colleagues for their enthusiasm and weekend-long effort,” said EpiGen Coordinator and International Principal Investigator (PI), Prof Tobias Rinke de Wit.

From left to right: Witnessing the first results from cholera genomic sequencing are Dr. Geremew Tasew (national PI of the EpiGen project) and Dr. Dawit Wolday (international co-PI) visiting EPHI Genomic Core Facility experts Dr. Abraham Ali, Atsbeha Gebreegziabxier, and Chala Bashea on Sunday 13 April 2025.