Pathogen Genomic Lab - INRB

From March 12 to 14, 2026, the @inrb_kinshasa hosted a regional mentorship visit in Kinshasa, organized with the support of the @AfricaCDC . The meeting brought together professionals from the National Public Health Laboratories of Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo to exchange on molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, sample management, data management systems, and quality management systems. This initiative strengthens regional scientific collaboration and disease surveillance capacities across Africa.

This week, the @labgenpath at the @inrb_kinshasa hosted MiSeq sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum samples derived from dried blood spots collected during the 2023–2024 Demographic and Health Survey in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This work is conducted under the PALUSEQ project, implemented in collaboration with the University of North Carolina, @BrownUniversity , and the INRB Department of Parasitology and Epidemiology. Supported by the @gatesfoundation , the project aims to strengthen genomic surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance markers in Plasmodium falciparum in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, generating critical data to inform malaria control strategies.

Our February 2026 Newsletter is now available! Discover the latest activities of the INRB Pathogen Genomics Laboratory 🔗 Read the full newsletter: inrb.net/images/2026/Fe…

In 2024, an “unknown disease” was reported in Panzi, DRC. @inrb_kinshasa and its partners investigated. In late 2024, a surge of febrile illness cases raised concern in Panzi Health Zone. Deaths were reported, and the outbreak was initially described as undiagnosed. The @inrb_kinshasa, in collaboration with national and international partners, deployed a multidisciplinary response team. Through integrated epidemiological and genomic investigation, the findings revealed: • A seasonal malaria surge as the primary driver • Frequent respiratory viral co-infections • No evidence of a novel emerging pathogen The study, published in Nature Medicine, highlighted the importance of strong partnerships, decentralized laboratory capacity, and genomic surveillance in outbreak response. 📖 Read the full article: 🔗 nature.com/articles/s4159… #INRB #Partnership #GlobalHealth #OutbreakResponse #Genomics

From 16 to 19 February 2026, the @labgenpath of the @inrb_kinshasa hosted in Kinshasa a Training-of-Trainers session on RADI ONE technology, organized in partnership with @khmedicalafrica and the @Insprdc through the Centre des Opérations d'Urgence de Santé Publique (COUSP). This activity strengthened the technical capacities of national professionals in rapid Mpox diagnostics, including equipment installation and maintenance, as well as laboratory data management. It is part of the national strategy to decentralize diagnostic services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in order to improve early case detection, enhance the quality of epidemiological surveillance, and increase the effectiveness of outbreak response. #PublicHealth #Mpox #Diagnostics #CapacityBuilding #LaboratorySystems #Genomics #Epidemiology #HealthSecurity #DRC #OutbreakResponse

What if mpox affected more than the skin? In the DRC, @inrb_kinshasa researchers with their partners identified ocular complications in mpox patients, revealing risks that can threaten vision—especially in children. These findings expand our understanding of the disease and highlight the importance of early clinical care. Read the full study to explore the evidence: journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/as… #Mpox #INRB #GlobalHealth #Research

Our newsletter is now available! Explore this month’s highlights, scientific activities, and key achievements by reading the full edition here: inrb.net/images/2026/Ne…

In response to the 16th Ebola outbreak declared in Kasai Province, the INRB played a key role in case confirmation, strengthening diagnostic capacities, and providing scientific support to the national response. 🎥 This video highlights the field activities carried out, as well as the support provided by @CulmenInt , with funding from @CDCgov, which made it possible to strengthen the Mweka and Bulape laboratories through the provision of essential equipment, energy solutions, and logistical support. #INRB #LGP #EbolaResponse #PublicHealth #CDC #CulmenInternational

We are pleased to invite you to discover the in-depth portrait of Mrs. Adrienne Amuri, Lab Manager at the @labgenpath (PGL) of the @inrb_kinshasa, published by Metropolis Santé Magazine.The article highlights her scientific leadership, her key role in strengthening genomic surveillance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and her commitment to training the next generation of Congolese scientists. An inspiring journey that reflects the rise of a stronger, more connected, and ambitious African scientific ecosystem. lemetropolissantemagazine.com/fr/blogs/adrie… #INRB #LGP #Genomics #LeadershipInScience #PublicHealth #WomenInSTEM #GlobalHealth

As part of the CEFRI regional training program, participants spent this 21 November at the @labgenpath of the @inrb_kinshasa for a full day of hands-on learning. The morning session focused on practical sequencing training, allowing participants to engage directly with laboratory workflows and equipment. In the afternoon, participants were introduced to the foundations of bioinformatics analysis, covering key concepts such as: • Introduction to bioinformatics • Nanopore sequencing technology A productive and enriching day contributing to stronger regional capacity in genomic surveillance and epidemic preparedness. #INRB #CEFRI #Genomics #Bioinformatics #CapacityBuilding #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth #LaboratoryScience

📢 Our October 2025 newsletter is out! Explore this month’s highlights from the @labgenpath (PGL – INRB) 👉 Read our newsletter here: inrb.net/images/2025/OC… #INRB #LGP #PublicHealth #Genomics #Research #DRC

The @inrb_kinshasa is participating in the @AfricaCDC Annual Laboratory Symposium 2025, taking place from November 11–13 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Held under the theme “Resilience of Diagnostic and Genomic Systems for Health Security in a Changing Funding Landscape,” the symposium brings together key stakeholders of Africa’s laboratory network. Our team represents the Democratic Republic of Congo, sharing INRB’s experience and contributions to diagnostic and genomic surveillance strategies across Africa. #INRB #AfricaCDC #LaboratorySymposium #Genomics #Diagnostics #PublicHealth #AfricaHealth #AddisAbaba2025

To advance understanding of Dengue and Zika, the DeZi Network has been launched under the leadership of @imperialcollege , with core funding from the @wellcometrust . Spanning over 15 countries across Africa and Asia — including the Democratic Republic of Congo, represented by Professor @PlacideMbala of the @inrb_kinshasa. DeZi aims to strengthen surveillance, research, and preparedness against arboviral epidemics. imperial.ac.uk/news/269973/in… #DeZiNetwork #Genomics #GlobalHealth #INRB #PublicHealth #ImperialCollege

The @inrb_kinshasa laboratory extension in Mweka recently welcomed a delegation from @CDCgov Atlanta, led by Mr. Constantin, CDC Atlanta’s representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The visit focused on collaborative discussions on laboratory activities, including Ebola virus disease surveillance in Mweka and the availability of GeneXpert cartridges provided through a CDC Atlanta donation. This visit highlights the strong partnership between INRB and CDC Atlanta, dedicated to enhancing local capacities and supporting effective epidemic response in the DRC. #INRB #CDCAtlanta #EbolaSurveillance #PublicHealth #LaboratoryScience #Genomics #EpidemicResponse #DRC #HealthPartnerships #CapacityBuilding #GeneXpert #GlobalHealth

🧬 Special Edition – Response to the 16th Ebola Outbreak in Kasai, DRC Our special newsletter edition is now available on our website! This issue highlights the pivotal role of the @labgenpath (INRB) in the rapid confirmation of the Ebola outbreak through virological and genetic analyses. It also sheds light on the deployment of mobile laboratories in Bulape and Mweka, key scientific collaborations, and technological innovations that enhanced the efficiency and coordination of the response. 🔬 A deep dive into science, surveillance, and inter-institutional collaboration for public health in the DRC. 📖 Read the full newsletter here 👉 inrb.net/images/2025/SE… #INRB #LabGenPath #Ebola #DRC #PublicHealth #Genomics #OutbreakResponse

On October 9, 2025, the Minister of Health @MinSanteRDC, together with the Director General of @Insprdc and the Coordinator of COUSP, visited the @inrb_kinshasa laboratory established in Bulape. They were welcomed by Mrs. @AmuriAziza, the laboratory’s supervisor, who presented the tremendous work carried out by INRB since the beginning of the outbreak — particularly in testing and diagnosing every suspected or confirmed Ebola case. #INRB #Health #Ebola #Bulape #INSP #COUSP #DRC #PublicHealth #Research

October 3, 2025 – Delivery of GeneXpert Ebola cartridges and swabs to the @inrb_kinshasa laboratory in Bulape by @CDCgov The laboratory of the @inrb_kinshasa, installed in Bulape, received a shipment of GeneXpert Ebola cartridges and swabs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDCgov), officially handed over by Ebola Incident Manager, Dr. @richardkitenge2. This support strengthens rapid diagnostic capacity and field epidemiological surveillance, contributing to a more effective and coordinated outbreak response.

Strengthening Bulape and Mweka Laboratories for Ebola Response As part of the response to the 16th Ebola outbreak in Kasai, @inrb_kinshasa is receiving joint support from #IMReC, @UCLA , @unibern (University of Bern), and @CulmenInt. This partnership has enabled: Provision of sampling materials, essential equipment, and laboratory consumables; Deployment of a portable on-site, real-time sequencing lab; Enhanced training and technical support for genomic surveillance. These resources allow field teams to rapidly analyze viral genomes, contributing to more effective outbreak control. #Ebola #INRB #IMReC #UCLA #UniversityOfBern #CulmenInternational #PortableSequencing #PublicHealth #DRC

📍Mweka – Training laboratory staff in Ebola response Today, October 1, 2025, the @inrb_kinshasa sequencing laboratory in Mweka, in collaboration with @OMSRDCONGO, launched a 2-day training for 6 laboratory staff from the Mweka Health Zone. The program includes both theory and hands-on practice: 🔬 Biosafety & biosecurity 🧪 Molecular diagnosis of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) 🩸 Sample collection and transport 🧬 Practical sessions: virus inactivation, cartridge preparation, and PCR testing with GeneXpert. 👉 This training strengthens local laboratory capacity and supports the ongoing response to the Ebola outbreak declared in Bulape. #INRB #Mweka #Ebola #Bulape #PublicHealth #Surveillance

🧬 Extension of the Sequencing Laboratory in Mweka On 29 September, the @inrb_kinshasa established an extension of its sequencing laboratory in Mweka, located 35 km from the Bulape health zone. A specialized team was deployed and a mobile laboratory installed to strengthen diagnostic capacities closer to the affected areas. This new facility will cover the health areas surrounding Mweka, ensuring rapid and reliable diagnosis of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). With its sequencing capacity, it also enables real-time genomic sequencing, providing more precise and immediate genomic surveillance. #INRB #PublicHealth #SequencingLab #Mweka #DRC #EVD #GenomicSurveillance #EbolaResponse #ScientificResearch #GlobalHealth