Our Vision
AMPHEUS aims to deliver a single integrated platform for clinical microbiology, real-time epidemiology and intervention research to fight infectious pathogens in low income settings.
The project will develop a scalable laboratory infrastructure, initially in Zambia, for rapid diagnostics and whole genome viral sequencing. The lab will link to digital technologies to broaden access to molecular diagnostics while informing public health efforts aimed at prevention and improved clinical outcomes.
The bioinformatics pipeline and sequencing method developed by our team within PANGEA are optimised to acquire key clinical and epidemiological data such as transmission statistics, drug resistance, recency of infection, co-infection, and viral load. Our vision is a platform that delivers the relevant inferences drawn from these data to clinicians, policy makers and people living with disease. We aim to improve clinical outcomes and curtail local outbreaks in areas of Sub-Saharan Africa that are inadequately served by existing infrastructure for clinical microbiology.
Our Strategy
A three-phase program of research, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, that will translate sequencing and analytical methods into a scalable clinical testing platform to provide the next generation of tests for diagnostics and self-monitoring, linking seamlessly with public health efforts in an African setting.
Phase 1: Research and development
Molecular techniques for quantitative pathogen sequencing and analytics.
Social and clinical research to develop policies for the future implementation of modern diagnostic techniques.
Privacy preserving data architectures that integrates public health science from routine diagnostics.
Phase 2: Technology translation
Low-cost solutions for establishing semi-portable, scalable diagnostics accessible to populations with the greatest need.
Digital solutions to broaden access, including smartphones and SMS-based for requesting tests, reporting results, and linking to onward care.
Clinical validation, accreditation and quality control.
Phase 3: Implementation research
Sustainable systems for data analysis and mathematical modelling to support clinical trials and epidemic intervention studies.