WHO introduces an international framework for comprehending the causes of newly or reemerging infections.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an international framework to assist Member States in conducting thorough investigations into the origins of fresh and reemerging diseases, with the cooperation of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Origins of Novel diseases (SAGO).
Although several instruments are accessible for examining infectious disease epidemics, this is the first coordinated, methodical method for examining the beginnings of a new pathogen. This framework offers an extensive collection of scientific research and studies in an attempt to close that gap. This is the initial iteration of a "how-to" guide, which will be revised in response to user comments as needed.
The danger to the health of humans and animals posed by the appearance of novel pathogens with a chance of spread like Lassa and monkeypox, as well as known pathogens like Ebola, Nipah, avian influenza, and MERS-CoV, is evident in every outbreak and pandemic. Therefore, it is more important than ever from a scientific, ethical, and financial standpoint to contain outbreaks as soon as possible and identify their source.
Six technical factors are the subject of scientific investigations and studies outlined in the WHO global framework:
- Early examinations of the initial instances, clusters, or outbreaks found to pinpoint possible exposure sources, gather samples at the site, and specify the traits of the new pathogen in question in order to create diagnostic assays.
- investigations on humans: to comprehend the epidemiology, including clinical manifestation, pathways of transmission, pathology, and first occurrence in syndromic surveillance specimens.
- Research on the human-animal interface to find possible intermediate hosts, reversal zoonoses, and reservoirs of animals.
- investigations to pinpoint the earliest appearance in the natural world as well as insect vectors or other infectious sources.
- Research using genomics and phylogenetics to pinpoint precursor strains, genomic traits, human and intermediate host evolution, and regional distribution across time.
- studies on biosafety and biosecurity to see if the initial instances could have been related to a breach in lab or research operations.
The WHO Global framework was created as a tool for inspectors in Member States, scientists, researchers, and public health authorities. It gives advice on when and how to start these kinds of multidisciplinary studies and gives suggestions to nations on the resources and equipment required to carry them out effectively. This covers the necessary resources, including human resources, environmental, animal, and surveillance systems; biosafety and biosecurity laws; and testing and sequencing-capable laboratories. It also emphasizes the significance of promptly disseminating the results of these investigations to inform subsequent actions. These suggestions were created utilizing a One Health approach and in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Investigating the sources of diseases thoroughly and promptly is essential to averting and managing international health emergencies. These studies' conclusions serve as the foundation for preventing outbreaks before they start, breaking chains of transmission, and lowering the possibility of pathogens spreading from animals to people. Additionally, they have the ability to validate or rule out the chance of an inadvertent lapse in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. To do this, nations must conduct these studies and share preliminary findings as soon as results are available in a timely, comprehensive, and transparent manner. Only then will steps be taken to mitigate further transmission, stop new spillover incidents, and ultimately avert future pandemics.
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, "Knowing when, where, how, and why epidemics and pandemics start is both a scientific imperative, to prevent potential outbreaks, and an ethical obligation, for the sake of those who lose their homes to them." This framework offers detailed recommendations on the research needed to look into the origins of newly developed and reemerging diseases for the first time. Had it existed at the time of COVID-19 outbreak, efforts to trace its roots would have been less acrimonious and more fruitful. WHO is still pleading with China to divulge all of its knowledge regarding COVID-19's origins so that every theory can be looked into.
The SAGO was entrusted with creating this global framework and determining the most effective technical and scientific methods for comprehending the origins of emerging and re-emerging infections. It was founded in November 2021 and is composed of their own specialists from all around the world. The WHO, its Member States, and several medical and scientific partners have built a more robust system for health emergency preparedness and prevention, which includes the SAGO.
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