News

7–8 April 2026 · Virtual MeetingOn 7 and 8 April 2026, UTI-Diag convened the inaugural meeting of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), marking a pivotal step in the project’s scientific governance. Held in two virtual sessions over two days, the meeting brought together internationally recognized experts in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), clinical microbiology, and point-of-care diagnostics. Why a Scientific Advisory Board?UTI-Diag operates at the intersection of diagnostic innovation, clinical implementation, and health policy — across two countries (Senegal and Cameroon) and multiple levels of care. Given this complexity, independent scientific oversight is essential. The SAB provides external expertise to guide protocol design, validate diagnostic approaches, define AMR indicators, and ensure alignment with regional and global health frameworks. An Expert Board Rooted in African ScienceThe SAB brings together four leading scientists: Prof. Sabiha Yusuf Essack (University of KwaZulu-Natal & ICARS, South Africa) — a global authority on AMR policy and antibiotic stewardship Prof. Olga Perovic (University of Witwatersrand & NICD, South Africa) — expert in diagnostic validation and AMR surveillance systems Prof. Makhtar Camara (Cheikh Anta Diop University / Hospital Le Dantec, Senegal) — leading microbiologist with deep insight into UTI epidemiology in West Africa Dr Nyambura Moremi Sogone (Africa CDC) — AMR Technical Officer and key interface with continental AMR strategies Key Outcomes of the Kick-off MeetingThe two sessions produced rich scientific discussions and a clear set of priorities for Year 1: Validation of the SAB governance framework and charter Identification of critical scientific questions — including the need to broaden pathogen coverage beyond Gram-negative bacteria to include emerging Gram-positive UTI pathogens Strong recommendation to align UTI-Diag with Africa CDC and WHO-AFRO AMR frameworks• Call for a comprehensive scientific review of UTI epidemiology and diagnostics in the African context Establishment of four thematic working groups: Diagnostics & Innovation, AMR Surveillance, Policy & Advocacy, and Capacity Building “UTI-Diag is not just a diagnostic project — it is a platform connecting research, implementation, and policy to drive impact on AMR.”Strategic positioning of UTI-Diag What’s NextFollowing this successful launch, the consortium will: finalize the governance charter; share all project materials with SAB members; establish the thematic working groups; and convene a follow-up meeting to ensure full board participation. The SAB will meet at least twice per year, with ad hoc consultations at key project milestones. This is only the beginning. With a dedicated Scientific Advisory Board, UTI-Diag is strengthening its scientific foundations and accelerating its path toward policy-ready, context-adapted diagnostics for Sub-Saharan Africa. Co-funded by the European Union through the Global Health EDCTP3 programme and by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Dakar, Senegal –  November 6, 2025. After an initial visit to the Pasteur Center of Cameroon (CPC) in Yaoundé on November 3 and 4, 2025, the delegation from Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), accompanied by Aviro Med Design Pty Ltd (South Africa) and Market Access Africa (South Africa), continued their mission in Senegal, where they were warmly welcomed by the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) on November 6 and 7, 2025. The purpose of this visit was to finalize scientific and operational discussions related to the implementation of the UTI-Diag study, a program designed to improve the rapid and reliable diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and promote the responsible use of antibiotics. According to Professor Tobias Alfvén, Project Coordinator (Karolinska Institutet): “Our visits in Cameroon and Senegal confirm strong engagement from the teams and significant progress toward the pilot phase. This is an ambitious project, but thanks to the collaboration between African and European partners, we are building a solid foundation to transform UTI diagnosis.” Cameroon: adapting innovation to real-world clinical settings Teams from Karolinska Institutet and the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun (CPC) worked on the protocol and visited several healthcare facilities, including Mbalmayo and Ebolowa, to refine recruitment and data collection strategies. Dr. Rosanne NGOME, Head of the Bacteriology–Parasitology–Mycology Department at CPC, stated: “UTI-Diag addresses a critical need. Rapid access to infection results, bacterial identification, and resistance profiles will greatly strengthen therapeutic decision-making and support rational antibiotic use.”  Senegal: preparing for a coordinated rollout In Dakar, the protocol was refined and finalized and is now practically ready for submission to the national ethics committee.Site visits, including at Dalal Jamm Hospital, provided an opportunity to further assess the logistical and ethical components required to host the pilot study. According to Dr. Cheikh FALL, Research Scientist and Deputy Head of the Department of Microbiology at IPD: “The pilot will help confirm the feasibility of the protocol across different clinical contexts. Senegal will play an essential role in the next stages of the project.” These efforts helped consolidate methodological alignment and prepare the conditions necessary for the operational launch. The UTI-Diag consortium includes Karolinska Institutet (Sweden, Coordinator), Institut Pasteur de Dakar (Senegal), Centre Pasteur du Cameroun (Cameroon), Market Access Africa (South Africa), Aviro Med Design (South Africa), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (Germany), Capitainer AB (Sweden), Aidian Oy (Finland), Pasteur Network (France), University of Cumbria (United Kingdom), Global Access Diagnostics (GADx) (United Kingdom). Contact Institut Pasteur de Dakar –  Communication Departmentinfo@utidiag.org+221 77 835 46 43www.utidiag.org This project is funded by the European Union through Global Health EDCTP3 and by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Introduction The twelfth EDCTP forum was held from June 15 to 20 in Kigali. The aim was to promote global health through policy debates, scientific workshops and networking, and brought together over 1,000 participants from Africa and Europe. UTI-Diag recently took part in the renowned EDCTP Forum—an essential gathering for health research stakeholders across Africa and Europe. The goal: to position the project within a fast-evolving ecosystem where innovation, digital health, and cross-border collaboration are becoming priorities. Showcasing UTI-Diag and Building Bridges Throughout the event, UTI-Diag was actively promoted through a vibrant exhibition booth featuring a looping project video, flyers, banners, and one-on-one engagement with visitors. More than 75 flyers were picked up by participants, indicating strong interest. In total, 41 strategic meetings were held with key figures from the European Union, Africa CDC, the African Medicines Agency (AMA), EDCTP, pharmacists’ associations, patient advocacy groups, and thought leaders in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A team lunch also helped strengthen cohesion among consortium members. A Model Beyond West Africa UTI-Diag’s approach resonated beyond its original scope. Countries like Zambia and Tanzania expressed interest in adapting a localized version of the project—proof of its relevance and its potential to address critical diagnostic challenges across the continent. Emerging Priorities in Focus Forum discussions emphasized a shift in research priorities toward non-communicable diseases (NCDs), digital health, AMR, data management, and the integration of social sciences. There was consensus: these dimensions must be embedded early in project design—not added later as peripheral activities. In this light, UTI-Diag stands out as a forward-thinking initiative. Tangible Outcomes and Future Directions One major result from the forum: a verbal agreement with the AMA to consider UTI-Diag as a pilot project for regulatory approval of diagnostic devices—an essential step toward market access. Looking Ahead The forum also shed light on future opportunities. Strengthening local capacities, particularly in Senegal, emerged as a key priority. This includes work around digital health, NCDs, AMR, and regulatory harmonization. With strong partnerships through IPD, Aviro, and Diatropix, UTI-Diag is well-positioned to take a leading role—especially in facilitating collaboration between Francophone and Anglophone regions in Africa.

Dakar, May 15, 2025 – The UTI-Diag project, a groundbreaking multisectoral initiative, officially launches with key objectives to: (i) improve the detection and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs); (ii) reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics and help fight antibiotic resistances (AMR) in human health; and (iii) enhance access, adoption, and implementation of novel diagnostic tools in low-resource settings. Funded by the European Union (via EDCTP3) and UK Research and Innovation, this collaborative effort brings together 11 partner organizations across Europe and Africa to address a growing public health challenge. UTIs affect millions worldwide, with antimicrobial resistance increasingly complicating treatment, particularly in low-resource settings. UTI-Diag aims to deliver rapid, accurate, and affordable diagnostic solutions, with a strong focus on sub-Saharan Africa and vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Dr Amadou Sall, CEO of Institut Pasteur de Dakar, stated: “The UTI-Diag project embodies our commitment to advancing equitable access to diagnostics. By leveraging innovation and collaboration across borders, we are taking a decisive step toward improving the health of millions, particularly in regions where the burden of antimicrobial resistance and urinary tract infections is most acute.” The consortium includes public health institutions, researchers, health economists, non-profit organizations, and industry experts. Among them, the Pasteur Network and the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun play a key role in connecting research with local realities. Dr Mirdad Kazanji, CEO of Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, said: “In Cameroon, as in many other sub-Saharan African countries, the issue of rapid diagnosis of urinary tract infections is urgent. This project comes at the right time, enabling us to strengthen our response to these public health challenges.” The official kick-off meeting took place in Stockholm, Sweden, from April 24 to 25, 2025, hosted at Karolinska Institutet, the project’s coordinating institution. The meeting laid the groundwork for the consortium’s shared roadmap and work plan for the next 40 months. Professor Tobias Alfvén, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Coordinator of the UTI-Diag project, added: “This project was born out of a need identified in collaboration with partners across several African countries. Today, with the strength of a consortium of 11 organizations — each bringing its clinical or technical expertise — we are poised to make a real impact over the next years.” UTI-Diag aims to develop and deploy innovative diagnostic tools to improve patient care and combat antimicrobial resistance through better detection and management of UTIs. The UTI-Diag consortium partners are Karolinska Institutet (Sweden, Coordinator), Institut Pasteur de Dakar (Senegal), Centre Pasteur du Cameroun (Cameroon), Market Access Africa (South Africa), Aviro Med Design Pty Ltd (South Africa), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (Germany), Capitainer AB (Sweden), Aidian Oy (Finland), Pasteur Network (France), University of Cumbria (UK) and Global Access Diagnostics (GADx) (UK). Press Contact / Interview Requests : Marie Vianey AfangbedjiSenior Communication Manager – Institut Pasteur de DakarEmail : marievianey.afangbedji@pasteur.snPhone : +221 77 835 46 43