FAIS 2024 - FAIS Africa

Summary of the 12th Congress of the Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS 2024)

Compiled by:
Tomabu Adjobimey (EXCO and FAIS 2024 meeting organizer)
Lucy Ochola (FAIS Vice President)
Pa Tamba (FAIS past-President)
Abdallah Badou (FAIS Secretary General)
Doty Ojwach (South Africa)
Faith Osier (FAIS 2024 Patron)
Clive Gray (FAIS President)

Originally published: Summary of the 12th Congress of the Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS 2024) | Vaccines Beat

Event Overview: The 12th Congress of the Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS 2024) was held from December 10–13, 2024, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, Benin. This was the first in-person FAIS meeting since 2017, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The congress brought together 260 delegates, including scientists, policymakers, and researchers from across Africa and beyond, to address the theme: “Innovative Strategies Against Infectious Diseases and Emerging Immunological Disorders in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.” The meeting emphasized the critical role of immunology in addressing health challenges facing the continent.

Objectives and Structure: FAIS 2024 aimed to create a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge, building capacity, and fostering international partnerships. The congress facilitated a platform for discussions on various crucial themes relevant to Africa’s health priorities. The Benin Immunology Society (SIB) and the Gambia Immunology Society (GAMIS) organized the event in collaboration with FAIS.

Key Themes:

Emerging Infectious Diseases:

• The congress commenced with a discussion on the burden of diseases in Africa, specifically addressing tuberculosis and its immune challenges. Experts emphasized localized diagnostic tools and treatment innovations tailored to resource-limited settings (Henry Mwandumba, Malawi).
• Presentations also highlighted the need for robust genomic surveillance to identify and respond to emerging infectious diseases rapidly (Anges Yadouleton, Benin).
• The session on mpox provided insights into its epidemiology, transmission, and genetic evolution, underscoring the interconnectedness of animal and human health (Jason Kindrachuk, Canada).

SARS-CoV-2 Research:

• Noteworthy findings presented included unique immune response profiles in Nigerians infected with SARS-CoV-2, shedding light on population-specific immune responses relevant for future vaccine development (Ganiyu Arinola, Nigeria).
• The influence of genetic polymorphisms on COVID-19 severity and outcomes was discussed, aiming to identify potential biomarkers for risk stratification (Chaimaa Zerrad, Morocco).
• The challenges of co-infections, particularly in advanced HIV patients experiencing prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infections, highlighted the complexity of immune responses (Sandile Cele, South Africa).

One Health Approach:

• A session dedicated to “One Health Immunology” focused on a multi-faceted perspective on health challenges, emphasizing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa. The session stressed the need for multisectoral interventions integrating human, animal, and environmental health (Brice Boris Legba Kossi, Benin).
• Various case studies illustrated the success of animal vaccination programs in controlling zoonotic diseases and mitigating AMR (Baptiste Dungu, Democratic Republic of Congo).

Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases (DOHaD):

• Researchers shared experimental data showing how environmental exposures during early life can significantly impact immune system development and long-term health outcomes (Clarissa Prazeres da Costa, Germany).
• The relationship between maternal-fetal interactions and the risks of HIV transmission was emphasized, along with the effects of in-utero exposure to HIV, CMV and antiretrovial drugs on the placenta and infant immunity (Rana Chakraborty, USA; Helen Payne, UK and South Africa, Doty Ojwach and Clive Gray, South Africa).

Cancer Immunology:

• The congress addressed the pressing cancer burden in Africa, particularly focusing on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). A study revealed the potential of targeting FABP, linked to poor survival rates in TNBC patients (Abdallah Badou, Morocco).
• Discussions on the immune escape mechanisms in tumor environments and their implications for immunotherapy highlighted the need for further research, especially considering ethnic and regional differences in immune responses (Barbara Seliger, Germany).

Vaccine Development and Capacity Building:

• A significant focus was placed on Africa’s capacity for vaccine manufacturing. The Chanjo Hub symposium showcased ongoing projects in Kenya and Ghana aimed at developing low-cost malaria vaccines using mRNA and egg-based technologies.
• Experts provided insights into various vaccine development approaches, including live malaria vaccines and RNA-based platforms (Faith Osier, UK and Kenya; Eluem Blyden, Avril BioPharma).

Collaboration and Funding Initiatives: Sessions dedicated to collaboration and funding emphasized the changing landscape of immunology research in Africa. Initiatives like the Science for Africa Foundation and the International Vaccine Initiative were discussed, highlighting their roles in enhancing research capacity and funding opportunities. These organizations support a wide range of studies and facilitate vaccine manufacturing efforts on the continent.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): A session on EDI highlighted the importance of creating inclusive research environments. FAIS has made strides toward gender representation and diversity within its leadership. The establishment of the FAIS African Women’s Immunology Database aims to increase the visibility of female immunologists and promote equitable opportunities in the field. Panelists emphasized that an inclusive environment fosters scientific innovation and enhances the competitiveness of research outputs.

Conclusion and Future Directions: The congress concluded with the election of a new 10-member Executive Committee to guide FAIS for the next two years. The committee aims to foster new partnerships and enhance immunology research, vaccine development, and capacity building in Africa. The event successfully reinforced the need for collaboration in addressing Africa’s unique health challenges and paved the way for future initiatives aimed at strengthening the continent’s response to infectious diseases and emerging health threats.

Acknowledgments: FAIS 2024 expressed gratitude to its sponsors and partners, including Becton Dickinson, the Ministry of Health of Benin, the International Union of Immunology Societies, Sartorius, Qiagen, UK-MRC, Roche, and Avril Biopharma and various other organizations, for their contributions to the success of the congress.

Source: Summary of the 12th Congress of the Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS 2024) | Vaccines Beat