Investment in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences generated, now exceeding 100,000 genomes, used to track the pandemic on the continent. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries able to sequence domestically, and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround time and more regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and shed light on the distinct dispersal dynamics of Variants of Concern, particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron, on the continent. Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve, while the continent faces many emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century.

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Olivier Diop -Phone +33 4 42 68 56 95, S. Blain -Phone +(353) 7497 35897 fax +(353) 7497 35897Ion Implant is one of the most common process steps in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. The process is a batch style operation where thirteen wafers are mounted on a rotating disk which revolves at speeds of up to 1200 rpm. On the sub 0.15 micron geometries, device structures are more fragile and vulnerable to the ballistic forces of the particles emanating from the beam line and the high speed spinning disc. A particular phenomenon where a complete batch of 13 wafers is scrapped after being impinged by these particles is described as the "Tornado Effect". This paper describes the investigation of particles in a batch Ion Implanter using a HYT In Situ Particle Monitor to optimize the particle levels within the tool, optimize the PM intervals and also capture the Tornado Effect in real time preventing the die loss normally experienced.

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