The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with several global organizations, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to enhance global capabilities in pathogen genomic surveillance. The initiative, announced recently, will provide nearly US$2 million in grants to support 10 innovative projects aimed at improving the detection and monitoring of pathogens worldwide.
The International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) has introduced a catalytic grant fund designed to bolster pathogen genomic analysis in low- and middle-income countries. This effort is expected to significantly contribute to the global response to infectious diseases by improving the ability to track pathogens and monitor their spread.
Objective and Impact of the Initiative:
The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the detection and monitoring of viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing organisms by analyzing their genetic codes. This process provides critical insights into how easily these pathogens spread, how dangerous they can be, and how they evolve over time. By integrating this genomic data with other public health information, authorities can track and respond more effectively to infectious disease threats, thereby enhancing global health security.
Genomic surveillance also supports the development of vaccines and treatments and enables countries to make more informed, faster decisions in protecting public health. These tools are essential in pandemic and epidemic prevention, helping countries respond more efficiently to global health crises.
Supporting Partners and Funding:
The initiative is hosted by the United Nations Foundation and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome. These organizations are collaborating to ensure that resources reach the communities and countries most in need of enhanced pathogen genomic capabilities.
Notable Projects and Their Focus:
- American University of Beirut: This institution will focus on wastewater surveillance to track the spread of diseases in refugee populations. This approach is especially crucial in migration settings, where traditional health surveillance systems might be limited.
- Pasteur Institute of Laos: The Institute will develop new methods for tracking avian flu in live-bird markets—a setting that has been vital but often overlooked in global health surveillance. This project aims to reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases in areas where many people are at risk due to close proximity to poultry.
Statements from Key Partners:
- Sara Hersey, Director of Collaborative Intelligence at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, emphasized the significance of the fund in expanding pathogen genomic surveillance to a broader range of countries. This initiative will directly contribute to better preparedness for future pandemics and epidemics.
- Manisha Bhinge, Vice President of the Health Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to genomic surveillance tools, especially in vulnerable communities affected by epidemics, climate change, and other public health threats.
- Titus Divala, Interim Head of Epidemics and Epidemiology at Wellcome, stressed the importance of understanding how pathogens evolve and spread to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the devastating impacts of future outbreaks.
Future Plans:
The first round of grant recipients was announced during the IPSN Global Partners Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2024. A second round of grants will be available in 2025, continuing the effort to expand and improve pathogen genomic surveillance across the world.
This initiative is part of WHO’s broader efforts to strengthen global health infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where resources for pathogen surveillance are often limited. Through these efforts, the global community aims to better understand infectious diseases and improve public health responses, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the impact of future pandemics.
