The project acronym is inspired by the Norse god Odin, who according to mythology sacrificed an eye to achieve a higher level of wisdom. Through this sacrifice and his ravens Hugin and Munin, he was endowed with the ability of omniscient perception. This project starts from a framework where the focus was on individual pathogens (e.g., a narrow scope) as well as individual measurements (e.g., patients), to build a system that is inexpensive, robust, easy to maintain, but has the ability, like Odin and his ravens, to detect "everything". The raw data will be subjected to several adjustable analytical processes in order to create easily understandable reports for key stakeholders so that they can make quick and informed decisions.

The ODIN project will build genomics and bioinformatics capacities, as well as database management skills for the creation, maintenance and searching of large datasets in sub-Saharan countries. In addition, the project will develop a genomic surveillance system based on environmental monitoring of key communicable disease agents in community wastewater and other environmental samples (wells, rivers, soils). In an anonymous, timely and socially and ethically acceptable manner, environmental surveillance allows for the detection of pathogen outbreaks related to poverty, waterborne diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as well as the means to transmit this information to key stakeholders for effective implementation of the data in well-informed public health strategies. By bringing together a multidisciplinary team of leading experts and organizations in the fields of communicable disease epidemiology, microbiology, bioinformatics, water technology and environmental sciences, ODIN will provide an optimal environment for research, development, capacity building and implementation that will help establish a sustainable model for how genomic surveillance systems can be applied in sub-Saharan conditions and support safe water supply and sanitation.

Our goals:

establish an environmental surveillance system for a set of selected human pathogens and AMR determinants, to be piloted and used in sub-Saharan local communities, with a view to supporting SDG 3. (LT2) .

Develop a mobile wastewater and clean water monitoring system to detect, collect data and report outbreaks efficiently and quickly in remote areas of participating countries, thereby contributing to a rapid response. (LT3)

Accelerate the processing and analysis of raw data through interactive semi-automation, thereby accelerating the transfer of threat intelligence. (LT4) .

Establish a training program to enhance capacity building that involves genome sequencing of environmental samples and subsequent bioinformatics processing of the generated genomic data containing spatial and temporal trends in the occurrence of human pathogens in sub-Saharan regions. (LT6) .

Develop standards to support genomic data sharing practices, including across national borders, for public health measures. (LT7)

Strengthen health systems with processes to transfer the data generated to key stakeholders (clinics, governments, policy makers, etc.) to take effective and timely action in the event of outbreaks or detection of contaminated water. (LT4, LT6, LT7)

To study, from an epidemiological and bacteriological point of view, the role of different species of Vibrio in the appearance of cholera. (LT5) .

Reduce annual cases of illness and death from drinking water from contaminated sources by raising awareness and providing protocols for effective water and sanitation interventions, in support of SDG 6 (LT5).

Meet the dedicated team behind the project:

Trudie Lang 

Paul Kingpriest

 Bonnie Baker

 

 Sainabou Laye Ndure

Bart Mesuere 

Lennart Martens

 

Tarja Pitkänen 

Rolf Lood

 Vito Baraka 

 

Adriana Krolicka 

Ananda Tiwari

Taru Miller

 

Haider Al Hello 

Kati Raisänen

Tor Langeland

 

Küssome Paulin SOMDA H 

Marc C. Tahita

Bérenger KABORE

 

Andrea Bagi

 Maria Joao 

 Vivi Maketa 

 

 Tam Tran 

 Hillary Sebukoto 

 Eric Lyimo 

 

 

 Alan Le Tressoler 

 Kyle Mayers 

 Dylan Shea 

 

 

 Jeremy Cook 

 Elisa Salmivirta 

   Ilkka T. Miettinen 

 

 Kristiina Valkama 

 Päivi Meriläinen 

 Outi Nyholm 

 

  Anni Vainio 

  Nyambura Moremi

  Hypolite Muhindo Mavoko

 

  Patrick Mitashi 

  Melissa Kabena

  Evodie Ngelesi

 

  Joseph Mabi 

  Yvette Mahenzi

  Suzana Tevuzula

 

  Palpouguini Lompo 

  Sibidou YOUGBARE

  Zakaria GARBA