Sofonias Tessema is the program lead for the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative at the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sofonias is leading a continent-wide effort to use powerful genomic sequencing technologies to spot disease outbreaks before they can become a global threat. Genomic sequencing allows scientists to read the DNA and RNA of pathogens and understand what they are, how they spread from one person to another, and develop counter measures like vaccines. During COVID-19, this technology has been an invaluable tool for identifying new variants, tracking the evolution and spread of the virus, and guiding public health responses. Learn more at https://gatesnot.es/3NzxHEQ
