Global genomic surveillance strategy for pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential 2022–2032
WHO
©
Credits
Genomic surveillance
Many people are familiar with the field of genomics as a tool for ancestry mapping to trace relatives or to identify genetic risk factors for diseases. However, genomics has also been widely applied to tracking infectious diseases by sequencing the genomes of bacteria, parasites and viruses. Genomic surveillance is the process of constantly monitoring pathogens and analyzing their genetic similarities and differences. Recognizing the need for global collaboration in strengthening genomic surveillance, WHO has coordinated the development of the 10-year Global genomic surveillance strategy for pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential 2022 - 2032. The initiative is powered by a vision to unite, inform and strengthen genomic surveillance efforts at country, regional and global levels.
The Strategy
Global genomic surveillance strategy for pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential, 2022–2032
The Strategy provides a high-level unifying framework to leverage existing capacities, address barriers and strengthen the use of genomic surveillance in the detection, monitoring and response to public health threats. Genomic surveillance is part of the broader surveillance and laboratory system, and its implementation should reinforce end-to-end capacities including sample collection, diagnostics, data sharing and analysis. The strategy aims to facilitate the connectivity between different disease control programs and surveillance networks. This interoperability will strengthen the cross-cutting essential public health laboratory functions underpinning genomics holistically. The strategy articulates the overarching goal, objectives and strategic actions needed. These are dependent on commitments from countries, partners and WHO for their implementation.
Monitoring Strategy Implementation
The key measure of the Strategy’s success is that, by 2032, all 194 Member States have timely access to genomic sequencing for pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential. Member States are also encouraged to share SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequence data to a publicly accessible database to facilitate country, regional and global risk assessment. WHO is monitoring two indicators to track this progress, in line with the Strategy objectives.
Partners Coordination Group
To facilitate the coherent implementation of the Global Genomic Surveillance Strategy for Pathogens with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential 2022-2032, the World Health Organization (WHO) convenes a Partners Coordination Group (PCG). The PCG enables partners to exchange information on activities, gaps and needs, lessons learnt, and other developments relating to the Strategy. Specifically, the PCG: (1) serves as the stakeholder voice for the Strategy in the development, alignment and implementation of short-term and long-term action plans in the line with its five objectives; and (2) fosters greater engagement among interested partners with the objective of utilizing their capacities and capabilities to ensure the Strategy can reach its 10-year target that all 194 WHO Member States have, or have access to, timely genomic sequencing for pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential.
The below Terms of Reference provide more information on this group and how interested institutions/entities can apply to join:
Publications
8 November 2022
WHO guiding principles for pathogen genome data sharing
WHO encourages the sharing of pathogen genome data to protect global public health. Sharing of pathogen genome data is critical for preventing, detecting,...
31 January 2022
End-to-end integration of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza sentinel surveillance: revised interim guidance
This guidance provides interim guidance for the integration of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virologic and genomic surveillance, from sentinel site case enrolment...
