INDIGO: International Network Development in Indonesia for GOnorrhoea surveillance

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is a major cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and a contributor to HIV transmission. Ng has developed significant resistance to antibiotics, making it harder to treat. To combat this, advanced methods like whole genome sequencing (WGS) are essential, as WGS provides valuable insights into how the bacteria spread, evolve and develop resistance. However, most WGS studies have been conducted in wealthy countries with little to no data from low-and-middle-income countries including Indonesia where gonorrhoea cases are rising. This project aims to build a network of Ng research and surveillance capacity in Indonesia. Through a combination of symposia, networking activities and training workshops, we will build the capacity in Indonesia for studying Ng ranging from sample collection techniques, to improving laboratory expertise to developing WGS capabilities. In the long-term, this will help identify resistance patterns and potential vaccine candidates while also boosting the country's ability to monitor and respond to infections. The project will gather clinicians, public health officials and researchers located in Central and Western Java, over time expanding across Indonesia. It will support global efforts to track and manage gonorrhoea which is a significant cause of health issues including infertility and chronic pain in women. The development of the INDIGO consortium will contribute to the World Health Organisation's Ng surveillance program and will forge a pathway in making Ng WGS studies accessible in Indonesia.