Advancing the frontiers of virology in Africa : the African Virologists Network's mission and progress

Abstract

Africa has long been a hotspot for emerging and re-emerging viral infections such as Ebola, Mpox, Lassa fever, HIV, and arboviruses. Despite the continent's critical role in virology, African virologists have historically lacked a dedicated platform for collaboration and influence in global health policies. The African Virologists Network (AVN) was established in 2019 to address these gaps, fostering research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. This article details the history of AVN, its initiatives, and its impact, including the African Virology Congress (AVC), the AVN webinar series, and its advocacy for enhanced virological research and policy engagement in Africa. The AVN's achievements underscore its role in strengthening Africa's response to viral diseases and ensuring African scientists play a leading role in global virology.