WHO Launches CoViNet: A Global Network for Coronaviruses
On 27th March 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the launch of a new global network for coronaviruses, CoViNet, aimed at facilitating and coordinating global expertise and capacities for the early and accurate detection, monitoring, and assessment of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and other novel coronaviruses of public health importance.
The establishment of CoViNet marks an expansion of the existing WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network, which was initially focused on SARS-CoV-2. However, with the launch of CoViNet, the network will now address a broader range of coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV and potential new coronaviruses. CoViNet comprises a network of global laboratories with expertise in human, animal, and environmental coronavirus surveillance, currently consisting of 36 laboratories from 21 countries across all six WHO regions.
Representatives of these laboratories convened in Geneva on 26th – 27th March to finalize an action plan for 2024-2025. The primary objective of this plan is to better equip WHO Member States for early detection, risk assessment, and response to coronavirus-related health challenges.
The CoViNet meeting brought together global experts in human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing a comprehensive One Health approach to monitor and assess coronavirus evolution and spread. The collaboration underscores the significance of enhanced surveillance, laboratory capacity, sequencing, and data integration to inform WHO policies and support decision-making.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, acting Director of WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, expressed gratitude to partners worldwide for their efforts in understanding high-threat coronaviruses such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19, as well as in detecting novel coronaviruses. Dr. Van Kerkhove highlighted that the establishment of the new global network for coronaviruses will ensure timely detection, monitoring, and assessment of coronaviruses of public health importance.
The data generated through CoViNet’s efforts will guide the work of WHO’s Technical Advisory Groups on Viral Evolution (TAG-VE) and Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC), among others, ensuring that global health policies and tools are based on the latest scientific information.
