Employing (Home) Organisation: Centre for Research in Applied Biology, University of Energy and Natural Resources
Project title: Molecular Diagnostics Development Fellowship at the International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Reference Centre in Sweden
Dr. Emmanuel Timmy Donkoh is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, and group lead at the Centre for Research in Applied Biology in Ghana. He is also an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Training Centre (CCPTC) in Ghana. His research focuses on biomarker development for the early detection of preventable and re-emerging diseases, encompassing screening programmes that incorporate evidence-based strategies such as self-sampling, near-patient testing, and digital health innovation to reach vulnerable groups. Inspired by the AREF TL programme, Dr. Donkoh is leading efforts to advance a bold new era of health sovereignty for Africa through the development of high-quality and affordable molecular diagnostics.
Summary of Project Destination
Validation of a Novel, Point-of-Care Assay for Cervical Cancer Elimination in Low-Resource Settings at the International HPV Reference Centre (IHRC): Diagnostics and screening underpin clinical care, surveillance, and disease control, yet many tools remain too costly, infrastructure-dependent, or operationally complex for use. WHO recommends primary HPV screening for cervical cancer elimination programmes. However, screening approaches are costly, infrastructure-dependent, and inaccessible to rural populations. To address this inequity, qualitative isothermal point-of-care (POC) HPV assays are being developed to expand access to affordable diagnostics and support global elimination targets. Through this fellowship at the IHRC, Emmanuel will validate a qualitative POC isothermal HPV assay for the detection of high-risk HPV types in low-resource settings, in line with internationally accepted frameworks of assay performance. The study will generate data on the assay’s analytical performance and operational feasibility, producing a technical validation report. These results will support its potential integration into cervical cancer screening programmes and serve as the foundation for diagnostic assay development and better health security for the continent.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
This proposal will be carried out under the supervision of Sara Laila Arroyo Muhr and Joachim Dillner, at the International HPV Reference Center, located at the Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination (CCCE), Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. During this period, Emmanuel will also have the opportunity to connect with the Global HPV Laboratory Network and interact with leading experts in clinical assay validation, such as Marc Arbyn (Belgian National Reference Laboratory) and Mario Poljak (Slovenian National Reference Laboratory), known for their leadership in the VALGENT studies, as well as experts in assay development, including Clementina Cocuzza (Italian National HPV Reference Laboratory). .
Quote
“Limited access to affordable diagnostics is a significant barrier to disease control and equitable healthcare in Africa. This is either a billion-dollar opportunity or a billion-dollar problem. The next generation of African research leaders will have to decide what this will be. “
Proposed start date of the Fellowship is July 2026