WHO’s Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses unit has been collaborating with the University of Calgary Serotracker team and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to build a MERS-tracker tool consisting of a data tracker platform and dashboard showcasing results from published human and animal viral and sero-prevalence field studies. The data can be combined or segregated according to the users needs, displayed in many formats and downloaded for further analysis outside the tool.
The dashboard will be launched
through an EPI-WIN webinar and its development explained as well as how the
dashboard can be manipulated to display data according to the user’s preference.
Objectives of the webinar
- Provide the audience with a first look at the newly launched MERS-Tracker tool, including a dashboard walk-through and live tutorial on its data display capabilities and synthesis of MERS literature
- Highlight how this tool can be used for evidence-based decision making, e.g. to advise prevention strategies against MERS-CoV
- Receive
feedback from the audience on this tool
Speakers
Opening remarks: Using scientific data for evidence-based decision making: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director (a.i), Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, WHOOverview remarks: Dr Ismaila Seck, FAO
Serotracker tools and the relevance of tracking published studies in the context of MERS-CoV: Dr Sophie von Dobschütz, WHO
Introduction to the MERS-tracker, its functionalities and use cases: Mairead Whelan and Harriet Ware, University of Calgary
Q&A
Moderated by Alice Simniceanu, WHO