WHO EPI-WIN Webinar: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) genomic surveillance – how & why

The RSV genomic surveillance guidance is critically important, operationalizing a core pillar of the Global Genomic Surveillance Strategy for Pathogens with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (2022–2032). Specifically, it:

• Increases awareness amongst policy makers of the public health importance of RSV genomic surveillance,
• Strengthens laboratory and genomic surveillance and bioinformatics capacities in Member States,
• Serves to generate an evidence base of genetic sequence data for RSV at the global level and fill information gaps especially in low- and lower-middle income countries.

Objectives

• To orient the public health community on the importance of RSV genomic surveillance and the technical and operational considerations for RSV sequencing and bioinformatics,
• Support in strengthening  LMICs capacities for RSV genetic sequencing and bioinformatics, to better understand and monitor RSV phylogenetic diversity,
• Help standardize genomic surveillance practices across countries, encouraging timely sharing of genetic sequence data to public-accessible data platforms.

Speakers

Introduction of EPI-WIN, housekeeping, introduction to topic and speakers: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO HQ

Welcome remarks – the importance of RSV genomic surveillance, WHO efforts: Global Influenza Program, WHO

RSV genomic surveillance – operational considerations: Thomas Williams, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Leveraging RSV genetic sequence data for public health: Sebastian Maurer-Stro, GISAID Data Science Initiative

Q&A

Closing remarks: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO HQ