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Genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: a guide to implementation for maximum impact on public health, 8 January 2021

WHO released its publication, Genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: a guide to implementation for maximum impact on public health, on 8 January 2021.

As the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 are able to be sequenced almost within real time, this enables increased speed to inform public health responses.

This has led to more laboratories investing in viral genome sequencing. Before starting such a programme, however, the intended goals of sequencing must be understood and a strategy for analysis in place, as well as a plan for how findings will be used.

Decisions about sequencing goals should be made in a multidisciplinary framework that includes representatives of all stakeholders. Funding sources must also be identified, and ethical aspects evaluated.

To maximize public health impact, usable and timely results need to be produced and communicated.

This document, available in English and Portuguese, provides this type of guidance for laboratories on maximizing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing activities now and in the future.

Read the guide here


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WHO product, policy and standards related to COVID-19

WHO’s health products policy and standards team supports countries to formulate evidence-based policies, and to ensure good practice and good governance throughout the supply chain.

Its work includes the Essential Diagnostic List (EDL), which aims to provide evidence-based guidance. The EDL is a reference for the development or update of national lists of essential in vitro diagnostic tests.

There are infographics and video clips available to explain the use of the EDL and the importance of diagnostics.

The health products policy and standards team also supports countries on access to health products for COVID-19. 

It works with the (ACT) Accelerator to enhance the development, manufacture, procurement and distribution of COVID-19 treatments for populations in low- and middle-income countries. This include medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and in vitro diagnostics. 

The WHO’s Disease Commodity Packages (DCPs) are a series of disease specific datasheets that list the critical commodities and the technical specifications for each commodity per disease. This overview includes links to DCPs for various diseases, including COVID-19, which may be downloaded.


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Featured Work - Quality Assurance & Policy Resource Centre - Policies

WHO policy brief: COVID-19 testing, 14 September 2022

Key points 

  • It remains critical for national programmes to continue to offer testing for COVID-19 in line with three main objectives: reduce morbidity and mortality through linkage to prompt care and treatment, reduce onward transmission and track the evolution of the epidemic and the virus itself.
  • Testing of suspected cases early in the disease course – especially among people at increased risk for hospitalization or severe COVID-19 – enables access to supportive care and COVID-19 therapeutics.
  • Confirming COVID-19 through testing for SARS-CoV-2 followed by isolation (and follow up of relevant contacts) can reduce transmission. At the population level, fluctuations in testing data can contribute to decisions on intensifying or relaxing public health and social measures.
  • WHO continues to recommend maintaining and strengthening COVID-19 surveillance, including use of sequencing, to monitor changes in epidemiological patterns, trends in morbidity and mortality, the burden of disease on health care capacity (health and care workers, hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions) and the evolution and circulation of variants.

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The Global Fund Quality Assurance Policy for Diagnostic Products

Implementers of Global Fund-supported programs must ensure the diagnostic products they purchase meet our partnership’s quality standards.

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Resource Centre - Policies

The Essential Role of Diagnostics in Global Health & Development

T7 Task Force Global health
Policy Brief

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF DIAGNOSTICS IN GLOBAL HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT

20.05.2022

Bill Rodriguez FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics Willo Brock FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics Karishma Saran FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics

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