Scientists, microbiologists, clinicians, epidemiologists and bioinformaticians from across the African continent have convened in Johannesburg for a specialised training programme aimed at strengthening laboratory and genomic capacity in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Hosted by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in collaboration with Wellcome Connecting Science, this second Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) of Bacterial Pathogens in Africa training course takes place from 6–13 March 2026 at the NICD’s Sandringham campus.
This intensive programme brings together experts and emerging researchers to advance skills in pathogen genomics, surveillance, and data analysis, key tools needed to better understand, track, and respond to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance across Africa.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to the medicines designed to treat them. As resistance increases, common infections become more difficult to treat, leading to prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. Strengthening technical expertise and surveillance systems is critical to addressing this growing public health threat.
The course provides intensive, hands-on training in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), laboratory diagnostics, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and bioinformatics analysis. Participants are set to gain practical skills in detecting, characterising and interpreting resistance mechanisms in bacterial pathogens, as well as understanding how genomic data can inform public health action and policy decisions.
By integrating laboratory-based practical sessions with computational analysis, the programme bridges the gap between traditional laboratory science and genomic insights, enabling participants to translate data into meaningful surveillance and response strategies.
The second biannual offering of this training reinforces NICD’s ongoing commitment to sustainable skills development and continental collaboration. The programme fosters cross-country networks, promotes data sharing, and encourages harmonised surveillance approaches aligned with global standards.
This collaboration with Wellcome Connecting Science – an international leader in genomics training – will ensure participants are exposed to global best practices, cutting-edge methodologies, and international expertise. This will certify that African scientists are equipped with world-class knowledge to address region-specific AMR challenges.
Strengthening regional expertise in genomic surveillance is particularly important as countries expand their laboratory and sequencing capabilities. Skilled professionals are essential to ensure that data generated across the continent is accurately analysed, interpreted, and translated into effective public health interventions.
The NICD remains committed to supporting efforts to combat AMR through surveillance, research, training and public awareness. By investing in scientific capacity, we are safeguarding the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobials for current and future generations.
Click here for more information about the training programme.
