WHO Webinar Highlights Genomics' Role in Enhancing Mpox Surveillance

2025-04-14 prevention

Global, Monday, 14 April 2025.
In a recent WHO EPI-WIN Webinar, experts emphasized how pathogen genomics significantly improve understanding and management of mpox’s transmission dynamics, underscoring its vital role in global public health interventions.

Advanced Surveillance Infrastructure

The International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), established by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, is spearheading efforts to accelerate progress in pathogen genomics [1]. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, this initiative has already demonstrated remarkable success, reducing mpox sample analysis time from ten days to just 24-48 hours [1]. The upcoming webinar, scheduled for April 16, 2025, will feature key experts including Dr. Josefina Campos and Dr. Lorenzo Subissi from WHO, who will discuss global genomic surveillance strategies [1].

Emerging Molecular Understanding

Recent developments in genomic technology have revolutionized pathogen surveillance capabilities. The latest sequencing technologies, such as SPRQ chemistry on Revio systems, now enable processing of up to 480 Gb of HiFi reads daily, allowing for comprehensive genomic analysis of pathogens [4]. This advancement has particular significance for mpox surveillance, as it enables rapid identification and tracking of viral variants with unprecedented accuracy [1][4].

Global Health Impact

The integration of genomic surveillance into public health systems represents a significant shift in disease monitoring and control. A recent collection focusing on advancing genomic surveillance, led by experts Dr. Vagner Fonseca and Dr. Daniel J. Park, emphasizes the critical role of these technologies in supporting global health initiatives [7]. This aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) [7].

Future Implications

The field of genomics continues to evolve rapidly, with new technologies and methodologies emerging to enhance public health responses. The ‘Genomics for Health’ webinar series highlights how these advances are reshaping healthcare delivery and disease surveillance [8]. As these technologies become more widely adopted, they are expected to play an increasingly crucial role in predicting, preventing, and responding to future disease outbreaks [8].

Bronnen

public health genomic surveillance