Malawi Launches Updated Genomic Strategy to Boost Disease Surveillance

In a groundbreaking move to bolster public health surveillance, the Ministry of Health of Malawi officially launched its updated National Genomic Surveillance Implementation Plan on 3 July 2025, reaffirming the country’s commitment to harnessing genomics in managing and preventing infectious diseases. The new plan builds upon the first genomic strategy introduced in 2023, with added focus on integration, innovation, and intersectoral collaboration, and is aligned with the Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Surveillance Policy Framework.

The launch event, held in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) through its Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), positions Malawi at the forefront of regional efforts to embed multi-pathogen genomic surveillance within national health systems.

A Robust Strategy Rooted in One Health and Innovation

The updated strategy serves as a comprehensive roadmap through 2030, outlining how Malawi will integrate genomic technologies into its existing public health infrastructure. This will enable early detection, tracking, and real-time response to infectious disease outbreaks.

Key features of the second version of the strategy include:

• Alignment with the Africa CDC Policy Framework

• A prioritized list of pathogens and use-cases specific to Malawi and the region

• A multi-tiered National Genomics Committee, comprising a steering committee, advisory group, and laboratories from public, private, and academic sectors

• Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track implementation impact

• Enhanced focus on precision medicine, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and pandemic preparedness

In his opening remarks, Dr. Samson Kwazirira Mndolo, Secretary for Health, stated, “This updated plan is not a mere revision—it is a strategic pivot to reclaim Malawi’s role as a frontrunner in pathogen genomics and to foster resilient and responsive health systems across the country.”

Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future

Dr. Mndolo acknowledged the importance of learning from other countries and reflecting on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and other outbreaks. “We were early adopters of genomics but missed opportunities to learn from global best practices. This update rectifies that and ensures we are better prepared moving forward,” he said.

The updated plan supports Malawi’s ambition to become a regional leader in pathogen surveillance, leveraging science and technology to prevent and control epidemics, including those caused by novel threats such as 'Disease X', a term used to describe future unknown pathogens with pandemic potential.

Africa CDC’s Support and Regional Collaboration

Dr. Lul Riek, Director of the Africa CDC Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre, lauded Malawi’s progress, stating, “This marks the dawn of a new era—where science, innovation, and strategic collaboration converge to build a resilient public health ecosystem.”

He praised the incorporation of genomic sequencing into Malawi’s public health infrastructure, a move that not only boosts national health security but also positions the country as a leader in timely outbreak response and data-driven decision-making.

Africa CDC’s Dr. Francis Chikuse, Senior Technical Officer for Public Health, emphasized that this strategy is both a response and a proactive approach. “It’s about building a system that can anticipate and mitigate health crises, not just react to them,” he said.

Dr. Chikuse also highlighted the role of Africa CDC and its partners—including public, private, and philanthropic organizations—in supporting the continent-wide development of genomic governance, data-sharing frameworks, and the design and piloting of priority use-cases in genomic surveillance.

Global Context and Regional Leadership

The updated strategy comes in the wake of the 2025 World Health Assembly’s adoption of the historic Pandemic Agreement, which calls for global equity and collaboration in pandemic preparedness. In this context, Malawi’s renewed genomic plan aligns with international goals and exemplifies African leadership in shaping health security frameworks.

Africa CDC is currently supporting 16 Member States—including Zambia, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, and others—in developing their national pathogen genomics strategies. Malawi is the second country after Zambia to officially launch its strategy, setting a precedent for other nations in the region.

Genomics as a Tool for Equity and Transformation

By advancing its genomic capabilities, Malawi is investing not only in disease surveillance but also in precision public health, research and development, and equitable healthcare.

The multi-stakeholder approach ensures that local scientists, labs, and policy makers are all part of a shared genomic ecosystem that benefits citizens and informs global efforts. It is also expected to boost local capacity-building, health workforce development, and technological innovation within Malawi’s healthcare sector.

Science, Strategy, and Solidarity

The launch of Malawi’s updated Genomic Surveillance Implementation Plan represents more than a policy update—it is a national commitment to scientific excellence, pandemic preparedness, and collaborative governance. In an era marked by increasing biological threats and global interdependence, Malawi’s strategic investment in genomics places it at the forefront of continental health resilience efforts.

As emerging threats like Disease X, Marburg, Mpox, and Cholera continue to test global preparedness, Malawi is responding with a visionary strategy rooted in science, supported by partnerships, and aimed at securing the health of future generations.