The World Health Organization (WHO) today issued an open call for experts to serve as members of the new WHO Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO).

The SAGO will advise WHO on technical and scientific considerations regarding the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential. It will be composed of a wide range of experts acting in their personal capacity. SAGO will also guide WHO on next steps for understanding the SARS-CoV-2 origins.

The WHO noted that there have been an increasing number of high threat pathogens emerging and re-emerging in recent years. Some of these include SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, Lassa, Marburg, Ebola, Nipah, avian influenza, the latest being SARS-CoV-2.

Need for surveillance and early actions

As a result, the WHO noted that there is a clear need for robust surveillance and early actions for rapid detection and mitigation efforts. Also, it noted that there is the need for systematic processes to study the emergence of these pathogens and routes of transmission from their natural reservoirs to humans.

This is critical to helping WHO, Member States and partner institutions to prepare for future spillover threats and to minimize the risk of a disease outbreak growing into a pandemic.

“From SARS-CoV-2, which continues to wreak havoc around the world, to the next ‘Disease X’, this global framework to study the emergence of new and known high threat pathogens need red to be comprehensive and coordinated based on a One Health approach. It should also encompass biosafety and biosecurity. And it needs to be scientific, transparent, comprehensive, rapid and inclusive”.
WHO

Functions of SAGO

The WHO has outlined several functions for the SAGO in its capacity as an advisory body to WHO. One of its functions is to advise WHO on the development of a WHO global framework. This will define and guide studies into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential.

SAGO will also advise WHO on prioritizing studies and field investigations into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential. This will be in conformity with the WHO global framework.

Furthermore, SAGO will provide information and views to assist the WHO Secretariat in the development of a detailed work plan of the SAGO.

In the context of SARS-CoV-2 origins, the Advisory Group will provide the WHO Secretariat with an independent evaluation of all available scientific and technical findings from global studies on the origins of SARS-CoV-2.

Additionally, SAGO will advise the WHO Secretariat regarding developing, monitoring and supporting the next series of studies into the origins of SARS-CoV-2. It includes rapid advice on WHO’s operational plans to implement the next series of global studies into the origins of SARS-CoV-2.

Eligible applicants

The SAGO will be multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, field experience, skills and experience relevant to emerging and re-emerging pathogens. Up to 25 experts may be selected.

WHO indicated that it welcomes expressions of interest from individuals with significant expertise in one or more technical disciplines outlined in the call for experts in order to ensure a One Health approach.