INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON USE OF GENOMICS FOR ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE SURVEILLANCE
“The Use of Genomics in Studying Antimicrobial Resistance Across One Health Interfaces"
Setting a stage for collaborative platform for future discussions on AMR in the Narok region.
The Department of Animal Health and Production at Masai Mara University’s School of Natural Resources, Environmental Studies and Agriculture, in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Nairobi and Germany’s Helmholtz Institute of One Health, concluded a two-day workshop on genomic approaches for using genomics in the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance on June 10, 2025.
The workshop, titled ““The Use of Genomics in Studying Antimicrobial Resistance Across One Health Interfaces,” brought together experts to explore cutting-edge methods for tracking AMR in humans, livestock, and wildlife, emphasizing the One Health concept that recognizes the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health.
During the workshop opening, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Student Affairs Prof G. Bulitia reminded participants of the critical interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant health with their environment. He emphasized that addressing health challenges requires coordinated efforts across sectors.
“The One Health concept acknowledges that human health, animal health and the environment are inextricably linked,” the DVC ASA stated, highlighting key principles including transdisciplinary collaboration between human medicine, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and public health, as well as surveillance systems to monitor health across all sectors.
The workshop featured several key presentations addressing various aspects of AMR surveillance and use of bioinformatics to enhance surveillane. Dr Kamundia from Maasai Mara University, Dr. Muloi (ILRI) and Prof. Katharina Schaufler are setting a stage for collaborative platform for future discussions on AMR in the Narok region.
The Day One presentations were from Prof. Katharina Schaufler, who delivered an institutional overview of HZI, HIOH, and the GEAR Network and Dr. Prof. Alexandar Bahr presented on “Innovative Surveillance Strategies for AMR: A One Health Perspective”. In day two, presentations were focused on “Functional Genomics in AMR: Investigating Virulence and Fitness Determinants” Lena Swiatek and from Michael Schwabe and Stefan Heiden who concluded with “Genomic Epidemiology in Practice: Case-Based Insights”.
#GenomicsForAntimicrobialResistanceSurveillance
#NaturalResourcesEnvironmentalStudiesandAgriculture
A highlight of the workshop was the demonstration of cutting-edge bioinformatics technology focusing on functional genomics. Participants learned how these advanced tools that can be applied for: Early detection of disease outbreaks, Enhanced diagnostic capabilities, Evidence-based treatment recommendations, Modeling disease transmission scenarios.
The demonstrations show-cased how genomic surveillance can provide real-time insights into AMR patterns, enabling more effective public health responses.
This international collaboration represents a significant step forward in building robust surveillance systems capable of monitoring AMR across human, animal, and environmental sectors. The workshop’s emphasis on transdisciplinary approaches aligns with global efforts to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance through coordinated One Health strategies.
The partnership between Masai Mara University, ILRI, and the Helmholtz Institute of One Health demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to participating in global health security initiatives while building local capacity for AMR surveillance and response.
The workshop concluded on its second day, with participants equipped with new knowledge and tools to advance genomic surveillance for antimicrobial resistance in the region. Prof. Francis Mburo, DVC (RIO) closed the workshop, emphasing the urgent need to cement the collaborative entity that impacts on research and the community at large.