Bernard, Onoja AnyebeArthur, Sabastine EugeneAminu, MaryamBonney, Evelyn YayraAbdul-Azeez, Anjorin A.Chofong, Gilbert NchongbohKafintu-kwashie, AnnaSabeta, Claude TauraiYassin, Abdelaziz A.Adiku, Theophilus A.2025-03-262025-05Bernard, O.A., Arthur, S.E., Aminu, M. et al. 2025, 'Advancing the frontiers of virology in Africa : The African Virologists Network's Mission and Progress', Virology, vol. 606, art. 110469, pp. 1-3, doi : 10.1016/j.virol.2025.110469.0042-6822 (print)1096-0341 (online)10.1016/j.virol.2025.110469http://hdl.handle.net/2263/101731Africa 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.en© 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Virology. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in Virology, vol. 606, art. 110469, pp. 1-3, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2025.110469.Global health policiesAfrican Virologists Network (AVN)Virological researchVirological policy engagementAfricaSDG-17: Partnerships for the goalsPostprint Article