WHO Launches First Global Framework for Understanding the Origins Of New Or Re-Emerging Pathogens | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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WHO Launches First Global Framework for Understanding the Origins Of New Or Re-Emerging Pathogens

Posted 07 Sep 2024

1 min read

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.

 

An infographic image showing 6 technical elements of scientific investigations framework viz., Early investigations of first identified cases/clusters / outbreaks; Human studies to understand the epidemiology; Human/Animal interface studies to identify potential animal reservoirs; studies to identify insect vectors or other sources of infection; Genomics and Phylogenetics studies to identify precursor strains, genomic characteristics; and Biosafety/Biosecurity studies to determine if a breach in research activities resulted in first cases.

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).
  • Tags :
  • Pandemic
  • International Health Regulations (IHR)
  • SAGO
  • One Health approach
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