Enhancing clinical microbiology for genomic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance implementation in Africa

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance is crucial for monitoring resistance, prevention, control measures, and intervention progress. Traditional methods rely on phenotypic data, but genomic technologies can overcome these limitations. The Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Initiative aims to enhance disease surveillance and public health partnerships through integrated lab networks. However, clinical microbiology laboratories in Africa are weak, compromising pathogen genomic epidemiology. Investing in bacteriology and leadership capacity is essential for genomic AMR surveillance.