Strengthening global pathogen surveillance: A mentorship program to increase capacity for pathogen genomics in low-resource settings

Abstract The burden of infectious diseases disproportionately impacts regions of the world that historically have had limited capacity to detect and respond to emerging pathogens. The growing affordability of non-targeted next-generation sequencing methods, such as metagenomics, presents an opportunity to enhance detection capabilities for diverse and evolving infectious disease threats. However, technical knowledge and expertise in laboratory methods and data analysis have been persistent barriers to adoption. To address these challenges, we developed a comprehensive training and mentorship program to expand capacity for metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in laboratories in low- and middle-income countries. Since 2017, we have trained laboratories in over 25 countries across Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and South America to implement mNGS platforms for infectious disease research and surveillance. Here, we describe the components of this program and provide evidence of the public health impact trainees had in their communities by generating genomic data to inform infectious disease priorities and decision-making. We share this program as a model for training laboratories in mNGS for infectious disease research and surveillance.