NIP receives genomic sequencing machine
ESTER KAMATI
WINDHOEK
The Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) will soon become just the second Namibian institution to carry out genomic sequencing after receiving portable DNA sequencing equipment to the tune of N$270 000 from the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday.
The MinION Mk1C device has the capacity to sequence 96 samples in one run.
Genomic sequencing is a method to determine the entire genetic makeup of a specific organism or cell type, and can be used to diagnose and treat diseases.
Africa CDC representative Dr Francis Chikuse said new Covid-19 waves, presence of variants and low levels of vaccine coverage in Namibia call for continued strengthening of the sequencing network.
NIP will be supplementing the University of Namibia (Unam), the only other institution which conducts such sequencing in the country.
NIP CEO Kapena Tjombonde said they are looking at decentralising the sequencing process in future so that the samples are not all sent to the capital.
“To maintain the integrity and quality of these specimens,” they will be utilising dry ice also donated by the Africa CDC to transport the samples.
“This [machine] is portable. Today it can be used here, tomorrow in Oshakati, another day in Keetmanshoop,” she said.
Training
NIP has sent two scientists to the Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform in South Africa and plan to identify another set of scientists to receive training in January.
With this, the institute hopes to fast-track the research process and generate results in the next few weeks using the new equipment.
“Capacity in Namibia has to improve,” Chikuse said, adding that the Namibian CDC branch is willing to provide higher capacity machinery.
Genomic sequencing is a relatively expensive process, he said, and takes between 48 to 72 hours.
Tjombonde added that this testing will aid in studying prolonged outbreaks and identifying ‘superspreaders’ as well as understanding the behaviours that spread Covid-19.
“Being the research hub in the medical laboratory industry, this technology will empower NIP to monitor structural changes in other pathogens such as tuberculosis and influenza, and to detect mutations that can lead to drug resistance.”
Not ideal
NIP said partnerships with Unam and South African laboratories for DNA sequencing have so far been functional, but not ideal as they are time-consuming. “The acquisition of this sequencing machine empowers the national laboratory to conduct the complete DNA sequencing process in-house,” the CEO said.
“There is no doubt that NIP will be able to monitor SARS-COV-2 variants of interest and variants of concern now and in future, true to its public health mandate.”
WINDHOEK
The Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) will soon become just the second Namibian institution to carry out genomic sequencing after receiving portable DNA sequencing equipment to the tune of N$270 000 from the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday.
The MinION Mk1C device has the capacity to sequence 96 samples in one run.
Genomic sequencing is a method to determine the entire genetic makeup of a specific organism or cell type, and can be used to diagnose and treat diseases.
Africa CDC representative Dr Francis Chikuse said new Covid-19 waves, presence of variants and low levels of vaccine coverage in Namibia call for continued strengthening of the sequencing network.
NIP will be supplementing the University of Namibia (Unam), the only other institution which conducts such sequencing in the country.
NIP CEO Kapena Tjombonde said they are looking at decentralising the sequencing process in future so that the samples are not all sent to the capital.
“To maintain the integrity and quality of these specimens,” they will be utilising dry ice also donated by the Africa CDC to transport the samples.
“This [machine] is portable. Today it can be used here, tomorrow in Oshakati, another day in Keetmanshoop,” she said.
Training
NIP has sent two scientists to the Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform in South Africa and plan to identify another set of scientists to receive training in January.
With this, the institute hopes to fast-track the research process and generate results in the next few weeks using the new equipment.
“Capacity in Namibia has to improve,” Chikuse said, adding that the Namibian CDC branch is willing to provide higher capacity machinery.
Genomic sequencing is a relatively expensive process, he said, and takes between 48 to 72 hours.
Tjombonde added that this testing will aid in studying prolonged outbreaks and identifying ‘superspreaders’ as well as understanding the behaviours that spread Covid-19.
“Being the research hub in the medical laboratory industry, this technology will empower NIP to monitor structural changes in other pathogens such as tuberculosis and influenza, and to detect mutations that can lead to drug resistance.”
Not ideal
NIP said partnerships with Unam and South African laboratories for DNA sequencing have so far been functional, but not ideal as they are time-consuming. “The acquisition of this sequencing machine empowers the national laboratory to conduct the complete DNA sequencing process in-house,” the CEO said.
“There is no doubt that NIP will be able to monitor SARS-COV-2 variants of interest and variants of concern now and in future, true to its public health mandate.”
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