Global scientists intensify research on COVID-19 as the World Health Organization (WHO) expands its scientific collaboration and monitoring of emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
A day-long virtual meeting of scientists from around the world, convened by the WHO, brought together more than 1,750 experts from 124 countries to discuss critical knowledge gaps and research priorities for emerging variants of the virus.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director of the WHO, welcomed them and said: “Science and research have played an important role in the response to the pandemic since day one and will continue to be the heartbeat of everything WHO does.”
The consultation was structured around six thematic areas covering epidemiology and mathematical modeling, evolutionary biology, animal models, tests and diagnostics, clinical management and therapy, and vaccinations.
Scientists have noted the importance of early detection of the potential impact of emerging variants on diagnostics, treatments and vaccines.
There was consensus on the importance of integrating the new SARS-CoV-2 variant research into the global research and innovation agenda, while improving coordination between disciplines.
“Our common goal is to get ahead of the game and have a global mechanism to quickly identify and study varieties of concern and understand their implications for disease control efforts,” said Dr. Ana Maria Henao Restrepo, head of the WHO’s R & D Blueprint, said.
It is normal for viruses to mutate, but the more the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads, the more opportunities it has to change. High transfer levels mean that we will expect more variants.
Of the significant variants reported so far, some are related to increases in transmissibility, but not to severity of disease. Research is underway to address whether the changes have an impact on public health instruments and measures.
Genomic sequencing is critical to identify and respond to new variants.
‘So far, an incredible 350,000 series have been shared publicly, but most come from just a handful of countries. Improving the geographical coverage of sequencing is critical for the world to keep an eye on changes to the virus, ”said Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical leader on COVID-19.
Increasing order for the order in the world is a priority area for the WHO.
Better supervision and laboratory capacity to monitor concern strains should be accompanied by the immediate sharing of virus and serum samples via globally agreed mechanisms, so that critical research can begin immediately each time.
Scientists have emphasized the importance of national data platforms to document critical clinical, epidemiological and viral data that facilitate the detection and evaluation of new SARS-CoV-2 variants.