Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has joined the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), strengthening efforts to track and prevent disease.
Brought together by the World Health Organization (WHO) Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the IPSN seeks to give every country equitable access to genomic sequencing and analytics as part of its public health surveillance system.
IPSN member organisations are governmental, non-governmental, academic and philanthropic and business associations from various sectors, income levels, and geographies. All members share a commitment to international cooperation and equity. Many members, including LSTM, actively work in pathogen genomic research, surveillance or adjacent fields.
LSTM will aid the IPSN’s efforts by sharing expertise in tracking infectious diseases and advising on how to harness cutting-edge genomic technologies to detect outbreaks before they become a significant public health risk.
Dr Daire Cantillon, who leads LSTM’s involvement in the network, said: “Pathogen surveillance is crucial, yet efforts are often fragmented and access to much needed genomic sequencing technology can be limited. In light of global funding challenges, collaboration is more important than ever.
“LSTM is committed to sharing its world-leading expertise and talent to help identify emerging threats before they escalate into pandemics.”
Pathogen genomic surveillance involves sequencing and analysing the genetic material of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites to understand their evolution and transmission. This approach was critical in tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants during the COVID-19 pandemic and is vital for future epidemic preparedness.
For more information, visit the WHO website.