Key aspects defining the development and implementation of a regional genomic surveillance strategy for the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Publisher: Wiley Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101304007 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1750-2659 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17502640 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Influenza Other Respir Viruses Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Oxford, UK : Wiley, c2007-

COVID-19*/epidemiology; Humans ; Pandemics ; Public Health ; Genomics ; Mediterranean Region/epidemiology

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of pathogen sequencing in making informed public health decisions. Initially, the Eastern Mediterranean Region faced limitations in sequencing capacity. However, with robust WHO and stakeholder support, the situation significantly improved. By 2022, COVID-19 sequencing was underway in 22 out of 23 regional countries, with varying throughput and capacity. Notably, three genomic hubs were established in Oman, UAE, and Morocco, playing a key role in providing expanded genomics training and support across the region. While primarily for COVID-19 surveillance, this sequencing capacity offers an opportunity to integrate genomic surveillance into existing networks. This integration can enable early detection and response to high-threat pathogens with pandemic potential. To advance this, WHO/EMRO collaborated with stakeholders to formulate the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Genomic Surveillance Strategy for Emerging Pathogens of Pandemic Concern. Consultative meetings with regional and international genomic surveillance experts identified strategy focal points, key partners, priority pathogens, and implementation steps. As the strategy awaits member states' ratification in Q4 2023, this manuscript outlines pivotal facets defined by member states and the strategic document's key deliverables and opportunities. These efforts aim to yield a substantial positive impact within the region.
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships which may have inappropriately influenced them in the writing of this article. All authors are employed by WHO/EMRO.
(© 2023 World Health Organization; licensed by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

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001 International WHO_ World Health Organization

Keywords: SARS‐CoV‐2; bioinformatics; genomics; influenza; next‐generation sequencing; whole genome sequencing

Date Created: 20231020 Date Completed: 20231023 Latest Revision: 20231214

20240628

PMC10583647

10.1111/irv.13205

37859974