Event highlights
6 November 2024
WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, is launching a hands-on training programme to enhance the country’s capacity for genomic surveillance. This initiative will equip local laboratory professionals with critical skills in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics, vital for tracking pathogens and emerging variants that pose public health risks. By building this capacity, Kyrgyzstan is better positioned to respond to future pandemics and epidemic threats, safeguarding public health.
On 15–18 October 2024, 14 laboratory professionals from public health, HIV and tuberculosis services across Kyrgyzstan participated in an intensive 3-day training on NGS, bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology, focusing on the COVID-19 virus and other high-risk pathogens. This effort, part of a pandemic influenza preparedness project, aims to strengthen genomic surveillance, enabling the country to identify emerging pathogens and respond to public health challenges more effectively.
Led by international expert Professor Maja Stankovic from the University of Belgrade, Serbia, with support from Kyrgyz experts, the training included interactive sessions and practical exercises. Participants gained hands-on experience in genomic sequencing, data processing and interpreting results to inform public health decisions.
This initiative supports WHO’s broader strategy to strengthen global genomic surveillance systems, enabling countries like Kyrgyzstan to monitor the spread of pathogens, implement timely interventions and enhance preparedness for future health threats. With this newly acquired expertise, Kyrgyzstan will be better equipped to address public health challenges and contribute to global efforts in combating infectious diseases.
Event notice
15 October 2024
Hands-on 3-day training on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology
In October laboratory professionals from public health, HIV and tuberculosis services across Kyrgyzstan will participate in an intensive 3-day training on NGS, bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology, focusing on the COVID-19 virus and other high-risk pathogens. This effort, part of a pandemic influenza preparedness project, aims to strengthen genomic surveillance, enabling the country to identify emerging pathogens and respond to public health challenges more effectively.