Preparedness for epidemics and outbreaks

The general purpose is to establish a novel network that can work towards sustainable zoonotic viral diagnostics and surveillance in Rwanda.

Specifically we aim to (1) establish a network for zoonotic viral infections; (2) identify etiologies of infectious diseases that are not identified by a receiving hospital; and (3) study the occurrence of viral mosquito vectors.

This project will integrate knowledge and skills from experienced researchers from multiple-sectors and disciplines to focus on zoonotic viral infections.

Joint workshops and trainings will be conducted where researchers will provide knowledge on their current research and practical training. Scientific new ideas will be generated for future projects.

Students at Masters and PhD level will be trained on various aspects of field sampling, laboratory diagnostics, and molecular methods.

We will analyse patient blood samples collected in public health facilities from different regions in Rwanda, for virus RNA by RT-PCR and viral antibodies.

Mosquitoes will be sampled using conventional mosquito traps and identified by morphology and/or DNA bar-coding for genetic determination. Virus will be detected by RT-PCR and culture.

This research and activities of the novel network will lead to new scientific questions regarding mosquitoborne viruses in Rwanda.

Vector-based studies in Rwanda will be set into a broader context and will lead to further studies and integration into the health system.