Recap of the Kick-off meeting of the SPOT Project: Harnessing Sequencing-based technologies for Pandemic Preparedness using a One Health-based approach in Tunisia and neighboring countries, Libya and Algeria, which took place successfully on December 11 and 12, 2023, in Tunisia.

The SPOT Project, funded by the Global Health Protection Programme (GHPP), aims to build on existing capabilities in the field of PCR-based detection of zoonotic viruses at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT), to expand the detection and diagnostic portfolios at the IPT with MinION-based sequencing methodologies.

Using a One Health-based approach with a regional focus, these methods will be applied in a model survey as proof-of-concept for the monitoring of pathogens in Tunisia and neighboring countries. 

The project thereby serves to enhance the ability of the Tunisian partners to rapidly detect and respond to potential future zoonotic outbreaks in North Africa.

The event was a key moment for collaboration and the exchange of ideas to promote global health and pandemic preparedness.