Prof. Daouda Ndiaye, Director General of CIGASS
In an effort to provide a platform for scientific exchanges, discussions, present innovative research and recent advances, as well as to reward the best scientific contributions in Senegal, the International Center for Research and Training in Applied Genomics and Health Surveillance (CIGASS), recently held a symposium in collaboration with the Department of Public Health of Harvard University and the University of California.
The event brought together teachers, researchers, masters and doctoral students, pharmacists, doctors, biologists, bioinformaticians, entomologists among other with the theme titled “Use of Genomics and Bioinformatics Tools in Health Surveillance” and sub-theme titled “Infectious Diseases and Genomics” and “Bioinformatics”.
Genomics has become a crucial element for good health surveillance. It is ahead in many areas and has become a transversal tool which has enabled, through the presentation of around ten young Africans, mainly young girls, to have data and conclusive studies on malaria, dengue, chikungunia, Sars COV2, arboviruses, Rift Valley fever and OMG.
Speaking at the event marked as “Scientific Day”, Prof. Daouda Ndiaye, the Director General of CIGASS disclosed that Genomics is a tool that allows real-time detection of infectious pathologies which detect the responsible agents, in particular parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi among others, but it also allows to propose an effective intervention.
“This scientific day revealed that to know the effectiveness of the treatment and see if there is any resistance, science shows us that the genomic tool makes it possible to monitor the impact, speed and reliability of the results. This proves that it is a tool for real-time monitoring and rapid and effective decision-making in prevention. Indeed, this tool helps in health surveillance, but also in health action through a good therapeutic approach, a good diagnostic approach, but also a good preventive approach. Whether for pathogens or for their environment, that is to say, vectors”, Prof. Ndiaye noted.
“Most of the studies that were presented during this scientific day, under the cover of IRESSEF, The Institut Pasteur, ISRA or CIGASS were carried out using very Senegalese platforms. And this, by young Senegalese people, particularly girls, who did this work with a certain ease. This once again highlights the kindness of young people in research and this is to be welcomed”.
“This is to say that Senegal has become a sort of research and intervention laboratory for Africa and the world. It is a well-equipped country that is full of skills to face health challenges. On this subject, it is important to always access our decisions on scientific evidence because this protects the country, whatever the pandemics or pathologies that arise, Senegal will be able to cope, but also help its neighbors in the sub-region who do not have the same provisions for prevention, diagnosis and response”, he concluded.
Highlights of the symposium included submission of abstracts by 37 researchers out of which 14 researchers were selected and their presentation made during the event.
Prof. Ndiaye said “Each of the successful bidders had to make a communication covering a summary of 300 words maximum in relation to the thematic axes selected before a jury”.
After deliberation, the jury retained in first place for scientific work, presented by Mr. Seyni Ndiaye from IRESSEF who gave a presentation on ”The establishment of a real-time monitoring system arboviruses in West Africa: Contribution of complete genome sequencing in understanding their reemergence”.
In joint first place, went to Ms. Khadyja Sy of CIGASS for her presentation titled ”Molecular characterization of arboviruses with epidemic potential in Senegal”
Ms Aida Boye Fall of the department of plant and microbial biotechnologies of UCAD got a second place for her presentation titled “Assessment of the dangers linked to GMOs/comparison of CRISPER CAS9 technologies and the Si strategy RNA in the production of new varieties in agriculture/comparison of the new variety with the basic material”.
While all the 14 candidates received certificates and gifts from CIGASS, candidates who got the best three communications will receive a part or full scholarship to finance their thesis or master’s project and possibly benefit from a study trip abroad during an international congress for projects which will have a real impact in health surveillance.
“Project leaders who have already received funding will be able to submit their abstract for free communication during these seminars, but they will not be able to benefit from funding from CIGASS”, Prof Ndiaye said.