About framework
- Developed by: SAGO (Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens).
- SAGO, established by WHO in 2021, constitutes independent experts from around the world.
- Key Principles: Framework aligns with the International Health Regulations (IHR) and One Health approach.
- IHR adopted by WHO in 2005 is an overarching legally binding framework to provide a public health response to the international spread of disease.
- One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
Significance of the Framework
- Curtailing rising risk of the emergence of known (such as Ebola, Nipah) and novel pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential (such as novel influenza, SARS-CoV-1).
- Timely and comprehensive investigations into pathogens’ origins are critical for preventing and containing global health crises
- They can also confirm or exclude the possibility of an unintentional breach in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.
- If this system had existed during COVID-19, finding its origin might have been less controversial and more successful (WHO).