In a significant step towards enhancing global health security, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a comprehensive framework aimed at investigating the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens. With support from the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), this initiative marks the first unified approach to understanding the sources of new infectious diseases, a critical move in preventing future pandemics.
A UNIFIED APPROACH TO PATHOGEN INVESTIGATION
While tools for investigating disease outbreaks exist, WHO’s global framework fills a crucial gap by providing a structured methodology to examine the origins of novel pathogens. This first version serves as a “how-to” guide for scientists, public health authorities, and researchers worldwide. The framework will evolve over time, updated based on feedback from those in the field.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of understanding when, where, and why epidemics start, not only to prevent future outbreaks but also as a moral obligation to those who lose their lives in pandemics.
WHY UNDERSTANDING PATHOGEN ORIGINS IS CRITICAL
As the world faces increasing threats from both known and novel pathogens—such as Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and avian influenza—understanding their origins is more important than ever. Swift identification of the source can prevent global health crises by halting the transmission chains early and mitigating risks.
WHO’s framework outlines six key technical elements to investigate the origins of pathogens:
- Initial Outbreak Investigations: Identifying the source of infection and collecting critical samples.
- Human Studies: Understanding epidemiology, transmission, and clinical characteristics.
- Human-Animal Interface Studies: Identifying animal reservoirs and transmission between species.
- Environmental and Vector Studies: Examining insect vectors and environmental presence.
- Genomics and Phylogenetics: Mapping the evolution and genomic characteristics of the pathogen.
- Biosafety and Biosecurity: Assessing potential breaches in laboratory safety.
INTEGRATING A ONE HEALTH APPROACH
The framework is aligned with the International Health Regulations (IHR) and employs a “One Health” approach. This recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, and emphasizes the need for integrated surveillance systems. Key to its success will be the rapid sharing of investigation findings among countries to guide immediate responses and prevent spill over events.
LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
A major concern raised by WHO is the ethical imperative for countries to conduct these investigations transparently and in a timely manner. As Dr. Tedros pointed out, the investigation into the origins of COVID-19 may have been less contentious if this framework had existed earlier.
