This was first Genomics Sequencing Procurement and Supply Management Community of Practice (GS PSM CoP) ECHO session that focused on introducing the CoP’s structure, objectives, priorities, and initial roadmap.

The GS PSM CoP was launched during the ASLM Diagnostic Convention in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire in November 2024, representing a pivotal moment in addressing pathogen genomics sequencing procurement and supply chain challenges in Africa. These challenges include but not limited visibility on market forecasts, lengthy procurement and costly customs clearance processes, lack and/or inadequate cold-chain facilities, expensive and poorly designed service and maintenance agreements, insufficient in-country skills and capacity for PSM, heavy dependence on imported consumables, and uncertainties over financing.
The formation of this GS PSM CoP viewed as a strategic response, aims at fostering collaboration and problem-solving among stakeholders, thereby improving overall supply chain management of needed commodities to support timely diseases diagnosis and surveillance for public health responses.
In this session, we introduced participants to the proposed structure, objectives and priorities of the GS PSM CoP as well as the key interventions identified to address genomics related PSM issues. The CoP holds significant potential to transform genomics PSM sector in Africa. Access here, the PPT resource and recordings and follow the deliberations that transpired during the session for details.