26.11.2025
New Funding Phase for the Sub-Saharan-SeqNet Project: Cutting-Edge Diagnostics in the Fight Against Tuberculosis
The Sub-Saharan SeqNet project will continue its successful work: The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has approved a further funding phase of €2.5 million over three years to advance the development of state-of-the-art Next-Generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis and other emerging pathogens. Following an evaluation by international experts and several German ministries, the proposed concept for a forward-looking plan was highly rated and recognizes the significant progress made by the project coordinated by the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center (FZB) in recent years. The follow up project “SeqNet+” extends the network by adding on country in Eastern Europe Moldova, and the DZK (The German Central Committee against Tuberculosis) and WHO as new implementation partners.
Next Generation Sequencing technologies (NGS) are transforming global health by enabling faster and more accurate detection, characterization and monitoring of infectious diseases. From TB and malaria to HIV and other emerging threats, NGS provides critical insights that help strengthen surveillance, individual treatment, and support rapid public-health response.
“The confirmation of a third funding phase is fantastic news for all of us! It is a true recognition of the outstanding team work across all partners and it shows that this consortium is making a difference”, says Prof. Stefan Niemann from the FZB. “With this support, we can continue our excellent work by strengthening the capacities we have built and developing new and efficient tools for surveillance and rapid diagnostics to effectively fight against tuberculosis”.
The funding commitment was made immediately following the third annual project meeting, which took place on November 4 and 5, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia. At this meeting, the project partners celebrated the successful completion of Sub-Saharan SeqNet’s current project phase and reflected on remarkable achievements. The atmosphere was energized as partners reaffirmed their commitment to expanding modern molecular technologies to accelerate TB control. The Sub-Saharan SeqNet project is among the most successful initiatives within the Global Health Protection Program (GHPP). The project has gained official recognition over the years, highlighted by a welcome address from the German Ambassador to Namibia, Dr. Thorsten Hutter.
Over the past project phase, Sub-Saharan SeqNet analyzed more than 1,000 drug-resistant TB samples and conducted 916 whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses for surveillance—both exceeding initial targets. Targeted NGS (tNGS) was formally incorporated into national guidelines in Eswatini, Namibia, and Mozambique, and hundreds of patients have already received personalized treatment based on this technology. In addition, Mozambique and Namibia have begun establishing national budgets to ensure long-term NGS implementation, while all partner laboratories achieved flawless results in sequencing quality tests, demonstrating consistently high laboratory performance.
During the conference, partners presented the project’s achievements over the past three years and participated in an interactive project-cycle management activity to shape the next phase of the GHPP project. Mixed groups of participants from different countries and roles identified key operational challenges. including limited funding, bioinformatics capacity, internet connectivity, and specimen extraction processes. They also shared best practices and proposed tailored solutions to guide future planning.
The success of Sub-Saharan SeqNet reflects the dedication, collaboration, and scientific excellence across all participating countries. As the meeting concludes, the consortium looks ahead to an exciting new chapter.