Identifying short and medium term activities to build sustainable sequencing capacities for the region
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to evolve with emergence of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants, there is increasing dependence and need for updated genetic data that can inform an effective response. In WHO’s South-East Asia Region, seven out of 11 countries have the potential to undertake whole genome sequencing, either within their national public health laboratories or through research institutes, universities and/or private laboratories.
However, the remaining four countries have limited in-country sequencing capacity (either single gene or whole genome) and are therefore supported by SEARO, in association with COVID-19 reference laboratories, WHO collaborating centres and regionally identified expert laboratories, to generate and analyze sequencing data. WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (WHE), is capitalizing on the efforts made in molecular epidemiology during the COVID-19 pandemic response to strengthen sequencing capacities for all high threat pathogens in the short and medium term. The goal being to strengthen preparedness for and response to future outbreaks/pandemics due to high threat infectious hazards.
As of October 2021, nine countries in the region have submitted genetic sequencing data for SARS-CoV-2 to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database. While countries across the region are rapidly building their sequencing capacities, the WHE programme has launched a regional strategy to strengthen sequencing and bioinformatic capacities with the following specific objectives:
1. Through 2021, continue to identify short-term activities and respond to immediate SARS-CoV-2 sequencing needs in the context of the pandemic.
2. For the period 2022–2024, plan a range of mid-term activities to strengthen, in a sustainable way, the capacities of regional laboratories to generate and analyze sequencing data for influenza and other pathogens.
Going forward, all activities will centre around National Influenza Centres and/or other national laboratories that are leading in-country lab diagnostic activities of control and prevention of pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential. An Informal Technical Advisory Group has already been established to advise WHE/SEARO and a series of activities are now being taken up in phased manner. These include mapping of in-country sequencing facilities and identifying Centres of Excellence; providing training, mentorship and technical assistance; and supporting of specimen referrals.
The initiative will continue to advocate for country-level genomic surveillance and epidemiological coordination mechanisms that can ensure that information is collected, consolidated, analyzed and shared in a timely manner.
