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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