Malawi Launches Second Edition of Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy and Implementation Plan
As pathogen genomics provides a powerful approach towards the investigation, management, and surveillance of infectious diseases, the plan is geared to include integration of multi-pathogen genomic surveillance into existing public health systems, research and development.
The second version of the plan is aligned to Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Surveillance Policy Framework and identified priority list of pathogens and use cases for genomic surveillance in Malawi and the region. The strategy has a robust, comprehensive, fully integrated, harmonized and well-coordinated mechanisms to guide monitoring of the implementation of the plan and evaluate impact. The improved plan has a National Genomics Committee comprising of a steering committee, advisory group and laboratories from public, private and academia. The first genomic strategy was launched in 2023 and runs to 2030
In his opening remarks, Secretary for Health Dr. Samsom Kwazirira Mndolo emphasized the critical role of genomics in monitoring antimicrobial resistance, disease outbreak detection, response and prevention as well in precision medicine.
He underscored the role of the plan as a roadmap for implementing a robust one health genomic surveillance system across the country with different multi stakeholders, ministries and partners.
'We have been front runners in genomics, but we lost the opportunity to learn from others, so we decided to revisit and update the 2023 plan,' said Dr Mndolo.
'This moment marks the dawn of a new era, where science, innovation, and determination converge to build a stronger, more resilient health system for all starting from Malawi by leveraging genomic sequencing power to identify and track pathogens enabling early detection, tracking and characterization of pathogens,' said Dr Lul Riek, Director for the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre.
Dr Riek said by integrating pathogen genomic sequencing into its healthcare infrastructure, it aims to enhance its health security and swiftly respond to emerging and reemerging threats effectively. 'This makes Malawi one step ahead of other countries in disease detection and response,' he said.
'In the face of several emerging and reemerging health threats including Disease X ' a hypothetical emerging pathogen, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the resurgence of Mpox, Marburg, Cholera and other epidemics, we have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for resilient public health surveillance systems that can provide timely and actionable data,' said Dr Francis Chikuse, Senior Technical Officer for Public Health at Africa CDC.
'The National Multi Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy is not just a response to these challenges but a proactive step toward building a robust system that leverages the power of molecular diagnostics and sequencing to safeguard the health of the of Malawians and beyond,' said Dr Chikuse.
He said, Africa CDC in partnership with public, private and philanthropic sectors is enhancing continent-wide sample referral and data sharing strategy, systems, and governance to promote trusted, quality assured and timely data sharing as well as support the design and pilot implementation of high-impact public health priority genomic surveillance and use-cases and facilitate the utility of genomics data for policy, decision making, research and development of pandemic materials. In 2025, the World Health Assembly adopted the historic Pandemic Agreement to enhance global collaboration and to create a more equitable response to future pandemics.
Africa CDC is working with 16 Member States including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Morocco, Togo, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia, to develop their national pathogen genomics strategies. Through this collaboration, Malawi becomes the second country after Zambia to launch their genomic strategy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
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Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition 'More Than a Mother' Awards 2025 Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels. Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups: Southern African Countries West African Countries East African Countries French Speaking African Countries Portuguese Speaking African Countries Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. 2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition 'Diabetes&Hypertension' Awards 2025 Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups: Southern African Countries West African Countries East African Countries French Speaking African Countries Portuguese Speaking African Countries Latin American Countries Asian Countries Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. All entries are to be submitted to submit@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Email: Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. 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Addressing these concerns through targeted support and awareness initiatives will be crucial in enabling individuals and businesses to navigate this evolving landscape with resilience. Navigating a challenging economic climate Since mid-2022, South Africa has faced a deeply disruptive economic climate, leaving many businesses financially distressed and forced into liquidation. While overall liquidations declined by 3.7% in the first quarter of the year compared to 2023, compulsory liquidations surged by 32% in January and February, an alarming indicator of sustained financial strain across key industries. "The mounting economic pressures have had a profound impact on mental health, with business owners, executives, and employees grappling with the stress of financial instability, job insecurity, and the emotional toll of navigating volatile market conditions. 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