DELGEME Plus Summer CourseSeptember 1–30, 2025

A Major Scientific Gathering

As part of the implementation of its activities, the DELGEME Plus programme (Developing Excellence in Leadership and Genomics Training for Malaria Elimination and Antimicrobial Resistance Control) organized a one-month capacity building Summer Course from September 1 to 30, 2025, in Bamako-Mali. This intensive training brought together 48 participants from several African countries including 29 Master’s students, 5 PhD, 4 Post-doctoral fellows, 4 Asparing Leaders, 6 Co-applicants and 2 members of the Programme Management Board.

A Sub-regional Programme Supported by Leading Partners

DELGEME Plus is funded by DELTAS Africa an initiative of the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA) with support from Wellcome and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The programme is coordinated by the University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB) in partnership with:

MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
University of Ibadan (Nigeria)
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
Université des Sciences de la Santé (USS), Libreville, Gabon

These collaborations aim to develop advanced skills in genomics, epidemiology and bioinformatics for malaria elimination and the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

General Objective

The Summer Course aimed to strengthen the application of genomics, epidemiology and bioinformatics to better understand transmission dynamics and treatment responses for major diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and bacterial infections.

The specific objectives included:

Strengthening skills in epidemiology, population genetics, biostatistics (using R) and scientific communication.
Enhancing capacities in scientific writing and responding to reviewers.
Training in grant writing to secure research funding.
Providing tailored supervision of Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doc research projects, with personalized mentoring by members of the Scientific & Training Advisory Board.

Methodology and Expected Results

The pedagogical approach combined:

Targeted modules (lectures, practicals, clinics) preceded and followed by pre- and post-tests.
Scientific writing workshops to produce at least one manuscript; PhD and Post-Docs also developed draft funding proposals.
Personalized mentoring to identify challenges and propose action plans.
Policy translation sessions to anchor research in community realities.

Expected outcomes included:

Introduction to the use of bioinformatics tools,
Acquisition of advanced skills in grant writing,
Production of at least one scientific manuscript ready for internal review,
Strengthened and sustainable knowledge in epidemiology and population genetics.

A Lever for African Science

By placing training, research and leadership at the core of its priorities, DELGEME Plus reaffirms its driving role in the fight against malaria and antimicrobial resistance.
The 2025 Summer Course represents a key step in equipping Africa with a new generation of researchers endowed with the critical skills needed to provide innovative solutions to the continent’s public health challenges.

At the end of the session, participants received their certificates of participation and had the opportunity to explore Bamako through a cultural tour, allowing them to learn more about Mali’s history and cultural heritage.

Special thanks go to the trainers for their commitment and determination, which ensured the success of this Summer Course. Particular recognition goes to the course coordinator, Touré Dinkorma, whose tireless dedication was decisive in making this edition a success.

We eagerly look forward to the next Summer Course sessions!