Virus Genomics for Outbreak Response in Central/East Africa (ViGOR)

About Us

Virus Genomics for Outbreak Response in Central/East Africa (ViGOR) is a transformative NIHR-funded initiative designed to empower regional reference laboratories to bridge the gap between high-end genomic research, modern applied statistical modelling and frontline public health action.

Project period

The project runs from July 2024-December 2027.

Our vision

To deliver a framework for locally sustainable virus genomics, bioinformatics, and modelling application in outbreak response across Central and East Africa.

Our Work: The 5 Core Work Packages

The ViGOR project operates through five synergistic work packages (WPs) designed to rapidly translate genomic data into public health action:

WP 1: Genomics & Bioinformatics Protocols

Developing, optimizing, and transferring open-access genomic sequencing and bioinformatics protocols to local reference laboratories.

WP 2 : Outbreak Investigation

Investigating the origin, spread, and evolution of outbreak viruses using both archived and prospective surveillance samples.

WP 3: Epidemiological Modelling

Utilizing genomic data to create dynamic transmission models that evaluate interventions and inform evidence-based public health policy. .

WP 4:Training & Capacity Building

Empowering local scientists through ViGOR Research Fellowships, intensive bioinformatics short courses & infectious disease modelling workshops.

WP 5 : Community & Health Systems Integration

Engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure genomic and modelling tools are permanently embedded into routine disease surveillance and response frameworks.

Our Leadership

ViGOR is overseen by an independent advisory team that is comprised of global experts in genomics, clinical research, epidemiological modelling, and socio-science research, and also a public/community representation.

Newsroom

The ViGOR project team, led by Charles Agoti, convened a national stakeholders’ meeting in Nairobi to explore strategies for strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and epidemic preparedness in Central and East Africa. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, research institutions, public health agencies, county governments, development partners, private health institutions, and community health promoters. The meeting provided valuable insights into opportunities and challenges, while fostering collaboration and stakeholder ownership toward developing a framework for incorporating these tools into routine disease surveillance and public health decision-making.

Between February and April 2026, the ViGOR team at the Comoros site conducted a series of awareness-raising and stakeholder engagement activities across the islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli. The activities began with a meeting held at INRAPE with the President of the Association of Mayors of the Comoros and his deputy. The team organized meetings with key stakeholders identified on each island to introduce the project and foster dialogue with local stakeholders and community representatives. The delegation was led by the ViGOR project team at INRAPE, including the project lead, Dr. Hamza Abdou Azali; the research officer, Mrs. Nawar Khadidja Ahmed El-Harif; and Mrs. Anzilate Abdouchakour. These engagements marked an important step toward building collaboration, trust, and local ownership to support successful implementation of the ViGOR project in the Comoros Islands.