Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Monday April 14, 2025 - Roche's African Genomics Program (AGP), the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (CSRS) have launched a partnership to expand genomic data collection for the “Double Burden of Disease” (CoDuBu) study in Côte d'Ivoire. This partnership aims to deepen understanding of the interactions between infectious diseases and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and comprehensive biomarker and environmental exposure data. 

The CoDuBu study, conducted by Swiss TPH and centered on the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) zone, managed by CSRS, was designed to capture the complexity of the health problems facing African populations, particularly in rural Côte d'Ivoire. It analyzes the relationship between infectious diseases, such as malaria, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), notably hypertension, diabetes, as well as lung and kidney diseases. As in other parts of Africa, communities in Côte d'Ivoire are affected simultaneously by both types of disease. The study uniquely integrates environmental monitoring, using silicone bracelets to assess individual exposure to chemicals in the environment, providing valuable data on external factors influencing disease progression. 

Through these efforts, the partnership not only introduces EMS into the existing cohort, but also collects detailed exposome and phenotype data, and builds longitudinal datasets. This approach enables continuous monitoring of participants' health over time, rather than relying solely on baseline data.

“Our collaboration with Roche's African Genomics Program adds a critical genomic research component to the CoDuBu study, helping to fill global health data gaps, with concrete implications for understanding and treating diseases worldwide,” said Professor Nicole Probst-Hensch, Head of the Swiss TPH Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and principal investigator of the study. “By deepening our genetic knowledge, we hope to better understand the interaction between chronic and infectious diseases in African populations.”

“The team is also extremely grateful for the collaboration and partnership with Azenta Life Sciences, which provides solar-powered cooling devices and essential equipment to maintain cold chain integrity and proper sample handling, even under harsh climatic conditions,” added Professor Dr. Nicole Probst-Hensch.

With African genomic data representing less than 3% of global data, Roche AGP's participation in the CoDuBu study is part of a broader effort to address disparities in genomic research. These efforts are essential, as Africa's under-representation in the global research landscape has left much genomic knowledge unexplored, impacting patient outcomes and limiting advances in healthcare, in Africa as in the rest of the world. 

Dr. Siaka Koné, Director of the Taabo HDSS, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “The Taabo HDSS has been following over 60,000 people since 2009, and the addition of whole-genome sequencing to our data will enable us to understand how genetic and environmental factors contribute to disease in our communities. This is an important milestone for genomic research in Côte d'Ivoire and Africa.”

Through this collaboration, Roche AGP, Swiss TPH and CSRS aim to pave the way for targeted strategies to prevent and manage chronic diseases, which are increasingly associated with infectious diseases in Africa. This partnership should generate data that will improve public health initiatives and patient management, with a focus on primary prevention and capacity building for African scientists. 

The CoDuBu study is in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063, and more specifically its Aspiration 1, which aims for “a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development”. To realize this vision, it is essential to prioritize the health and well-being of African citizens. This genomics project will enable us to better understand genetic diversity and develop targeted, more effective healthcare solutions tailored to the continent's specific needs. By fostering innovation in disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, this initiative will increase access to quality healthcare, support sustainable development and strengthen Africa's capacity to address its health challenges, thereby contributing to improved health and resilience.

By combining scientific expertise from several continents, this partnership illustrates the importance of collaboration in solving global health challenges and promoting health equity. Roche AGP's contribution will not only help extend the impact of the CoDuBu study, but will also support a sustainable model of long-term genomic research in Africa, to the benefit of local and global communities. 

About Roche:

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading industrial manufacturers of branded pharmaceuticals, and has become the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company strives for scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics that improve and save the lives of people around the world. As pioneers of personalized healthcare, we aim to further transform the way healthcare is delivered for even greater impact. To deliver the best care for every individual, we collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, combining our diagnostic and pharmaceutical skills with data from clinical practice.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com  and LinkedIn.

About Swiss TPH: 

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a world-leading institute for global health, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, training and services at local, national and international levels. 950 people from 95 countries work at the Swiss TPH, focusing on infectious and non-communicable diseases, environment, society and health, as well as healthcare systems and interventions. 

For further information, please visit www.swisstph.ch 

About CSRS: 

The Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) is a research center active in the fields of biodiversity, food security, environment and health. Its mission is to initiate, encourage and support North-South research partnerships in Côte d'Ivoire and West Africa. The CSRS is a research center of excellence whose scientific output represents 20% of the national output. 

For further information, please visit www.csrs.ch