WHO has launched a new surveillance network for coronaviruses, CoViNet, to facilitate and coordinate global expertise and capacities for early and accurate detection, monitoring and assessment of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and novel coronaviruses of public health importance.
CoViNet expands on the WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network established during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The network currently includes 36 laboratories from 21 countries in all 6 WHO regions.
Representatives of the laboratories met in Geneva on 26 – 27 March to finalize an action plan for 2024-2025 so that WHO Member States are better equipped for early detection, risk assessment, and response to coronavirus-related health challenges.
Coronaviruses have time and again demonstrated their epidemic and pandemic risk. We thank our partners from around the world who are working to better understand high threat coronaviruses like SARS, MERS and COVID-19 and to detect novel coronaviruses. This new global network for coronaviruses will ensure timely detection, monitoring and assessment of coronaviruses of public health importance.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, acting Director of WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention.
