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Opeyemi Alayande
Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health Showcases Groundbreaking TB Genomic Insights at the 2025 Union World Conference in Denmark...
2025 Union World Conference on Lung Health
Our team, represented by Opeyemi Alayande, presented at the 2025 Union World Conference on Lung Health held in Denmark on 18 November 2025. The conference provided a valuable platform to engage with the global lung health and tuberculosis (TB) community while showcasing our latest findings on TB infection in Nigeria and across Africa.
At the 2024 Union World Conference in Bali, we presented evidence demonstrating how specific regions of Nigeria have served as dominant sources of TB dispersal and sustained transmission over the past decade. These findings have since informed and strengthened TB prevention and control strategies within the country.
Building on this foundation, our DFCGGH compiled and analyzed the largest genomic dataset to date on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) from Nigeria and several African regions for selected lineages. Leveraging the high resolution of genomic data, we investigated the drivers of transmission of highly fit TB strains and examined the evolution of drug resistance within Mtb populations across Nigeria and Africa.
During both the Main Conference and the TB Science Sessions, we highlighted how these findings can support the National TB Programme (NTBLCP), contribute to global TB elimination efforts, and improve the well-being of individuals and communities at risk of TB. We were honored to contribute to these important discussions and to share insights from our work.
Opeyemi Ajuwon and Samuel Oluwadamilare Ayanwale, DVM
We’re proud to share that some members of our team received full scholarships to attend the HRH-CERID LAUTECH, Ogbomoso 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐮𝐛-𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞-𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 (𝐇𝐑𝐇-𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐃) 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria...
𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦’𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭!
We’re proud to share that some members of our team received full scholarships to attend the HRH-CERID LAUTECH, Ogbomoso 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐮𝐛-𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞-𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 (𝐇𝐑𝐇-𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐃) 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
The conference, themed “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥,” brought together leading scientists and researchers across Africa to discuss innovative approaches for tackling global health challenges.
Special appreciation to our Team Lead, Prof Simeon Cadmus, for his continued mentorship and support.
Highlights from our team:
Opeyemi Ajuwon presented “Genomic profiling of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli from food animals in Ibadan, Nigeria.”
Samuel Oluwadamilare Ayanwale, DVM, presented “Climate change and the emergence of infectious and zoonotic diseases in West and Central Africa.”
We remain committed to advancing research at the intersection of genomics, One Health, and climate change to strengthen health systems across Africa.
His Excellency Ambassador Pieter Leenknegt, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Nigeria; Oba Taiwo Adedokun Thompson, the Oloni of Eti Oni, alongside his Olori, Angelique-Monét Thompson; and Ivy Joy Sule, Country Representative of Damien Foundation Belgium in Nigeria
On 14 October 2025, the Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health (DFCGGH) proudly welcomed a distinguished delegation in what marked a significant moment in the Centre’s journey of advancing cutting-edge research and global health partnerships...
A Remarkable Visit to the Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health
On 14 October 2025, the Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health (DFCGGH) proudly welcomed a distinguished delegation in what marked a significant moment in the Centre’s journey of advancing cutting-edge research and global health partnerships. The visit commenced with a courtesy call to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, setting the tone for a day focused on collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to improving public health outcomes.
Our Centre’s Team Lead, Professor S.I.B. Cadmus, led the engagement, accompanying an esteemed group of guests that included His Excellency Ambassador Pieter Leenknegt, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Nigeria; Oba Taiwo Adedokun Thompson, the Oloni of Eti Oni, alongside his Olori, Angelique-Monét Thompson; and Ivy Joy Sule, Country Representative of Damien Foundation Belgium in Nigeria. Their visit revealed the growing recognition of DFCGGH as a hub for excellence in genomics and global health research.
At our Centre, the delegation was taken through DFCGGH’s state-of-the-art facilities and introduced to its groundbreaking work in genomics, infectious disease surveillance, and data-driven public health solutions. The visit provided a unique platform to highlight how the Centre is leveraging advanced genomic technologies to address pressing health challenges, particularly tuberculosis and other endemic diseases affecting Nigeria and the broader African region.
Discussions throughout the visit emphasised DFCGGH’s commitment to fostering impactful partnerships that bridge academia, policy, and practice. The Centre’s work reflects a strong belief that collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches are essential for tackling complex health issues and translating research into meaningful, real-world impact.
A major highlight of the engagement was the Centre’s ongoing efforts to strengthen genomic surveillance systems and expand the integration of next-generation sequencing into routine public health practice. The delegation expressed strong interest in these initiatives, recognising their potential to transform disease detection, monitoring, and response in Nigeria.
The visit also created opportunities to explore future collaborations, including capacity building, research funding, and knowledge exchange. These discussions reinforced DFCGGH’s vision of not only advancing scientific discovery but also building sustainable systems that support national and global health priorities.
As the visit came to a close, it was evident that the engagement had further solidified strategic relationships and opened new pathways for collaboration. For DFCGGH, the visit was not just a moment of recognition, but a reaffirmation of its mission to drive innovation, strengthen health systems, and contribute to improved health outcomes for communities in Nigeria and beyond.
This remarkable visit stands as a testament to the growing impact of our Centre and its continued role as a leading institution in genomics and global health research across Africa.
Team Lead, Prof. S.I.B Cadmus
On the 22nd of September, 2025, our Team Lead, Prof. S.I.B Cadmus, served as a plenary speaker at the FUNAAB HUMBOLDT KOLLEG CONFERENCE 2025 at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health Shines at FUNAAB HUMBOLDT KOLLEG CONFERENCE 2025
Prof. Cadmus delivered an insightful lecture on “Climate Change: Roles in Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases in Africa”, highlighting the impact of climate change on infectious diseases affecting humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems.
Key takeaways from his lecture include:
– Climate change alters rainfall, temperature, and humidity, shaping pathogen survival and vector distribution
– Extreme weather events fuel outbreaks and widen the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and yellow fever
– Environmental disruptions accelerate zoonotic spillovers, raising public health risks
Prof. Cadmus emphasized the need for urgent multisectoral collaboration to address the vicious cycle between climate change and infectious diseases.
At Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health, we remain committed to advancing research, knowledge, and solutions that bridge human, animal, and environmental health.
Team members and Dr. Adesigbin the Acting National Coordinator of NTBLCP
On the 22nd of June, 2025, the Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health had the honour of welcoming Dr Clement Adesigbin, the Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), marking a significant moment of engagement and collaboration...
Advancing TB Control in Nigeria: A Landmark Visit by NTBLCP to DFCGGH
On the 22nd of June, 2025, the Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health had the honour of welcoming Dr Clement Adesigbin, the Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), marking a significant moment of engagement and collaboration.
Dr. Adesigbin’s visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen ongoing partnerships and reaffirm a shared commitment to addressing the burden of tuberculosis, leprosy, and other neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria. As a key national stakeholder, NTBLCP plays a central role in shaping policies and implementing strategies aimed at disease control and elimination.
During the visit, discussions focused on advancing tuberculosis research, enhancing public health interventions, and building sustainable capacity within the health system. The engagement highlighted the importance of aligning research efforts with national priorities to ensure that scientific findings translate into practical, high-impact solutions for communities most at risk.
The visit also served as a source of encouragement to the team, reinforcing the value of our ongoing work and the critical role of collaboration in achieving meaningful progress. Strengthening ties with national programmes such as NTBLCP remains essential to driving coordinated and effective responses to infectious diseases.
As we continue to expand our footprint in research and global health, such engagements show our commitment to partnership, innovation, and impact. We look forward to building stronger synergies with NTBLCP and other stakeholders in the collective effort to reduce the burden of TB and related diseases across Nigeria.
Prof. Babatunde Salako, FNAMed, FAS
The highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by the esteemed Prof. Babatunde Salako, FNAMed, FAS, who is renowned for his contributions to medical science and public health.
REPORT ON THE CCPZ LECTURE HELD ON JUNE 24, 2024, AT THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AUDITORIUM
Overview
On June 24, 2024, a significant event took place under the leadership of Prof. S.I.B Cadmus, the director of the Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses (CCPZ). This program was carried out in collaboration with the West African One Health (WAOH) project, attracting over 400 participants, including guests, lecturers, and students.
The highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by the esteemed Prof. Babatunde Salako, FNAMed, FAS, who is renowned for his contributions to medical science and public health.
Attendance and Engagement
More than 400 people attended the event, and many of them actively participated, particularly during the Q&A session. The diverse audience, comprising guests, lecturers, and students, contributed to the vibrant discussion and exchange of ideas following Prof. Salako’s presentation.
Keynote Presentation Summary Title: Pandemic Preparedness in Nigeria: Advancing the Frontiers of One Health, Interdisciplinary, and Intersectoral Collaboration in Nigeria
Prof. Salako’s lecture provided a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s current stance on pandemic preparedness, emphasising the importance of One Health, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health disciplines. He listed several critical points:
- Current Progress:
- Prof. Salako highlighted the strides Nigeria has made in fostering intersectoral and multidisciplinary collaborations. These collaborations are pivotal in bolstering the country’s pandemic preparedness.
- He acknowledged the advancements in policy frameworks and the establishment of various health initiatives aimed at improving response mechanisms.
- Setbacks:
- Despite the progress, several setbacks impede the effective implementation of pandemic preparedness strategies. These include insufficient funding, limited infrastructure, and gaps in the coordination among different health sectors.
- He also pointed out the challenges in maintaining consistent and effective communication between relevant stakeholders.
- Recommendations:
- Health Systems Strengthening: Emphasizing the need to strengthen health systems to build resilience and ensure equity. This involves enhancing global health security and universal health coverage (UHC).
- Research and Development (R&D): Prof. Salako advocated for a robust R&D system tailored to Nigeria’s needs. This system should support both upstream and downstream research, leading to technological breakthroughs and the mass production of essential drugs and vaccines.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encouraging continuous interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration to create a comprehensive and unified approach to pandemic preparedness.
- In his conclusion, Prof. Salako stated that Nigeria must rise to the challenge of future pandemics by prioritising health system improvements and fostering a fit-for-purpose R&D system. Such efforts would ensure the country is better prepared for any future health crises.
At the end of the lecture, the beneficiaries of the Research Associate Program awards were acknowledged, and then the keynote speaker received an award plaque and the concluding remarks were given.
The participants were treated to a nice lunch after the event.
A Centre of Excellence in the Genomics of Mycobacteria Research and Training with the additional aim of contributing to a reduced burden of infectious diseases in Africa.
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