Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes infections of the upper and lower respiratory airways (including the nose, sinuses and lungs). Each year, RSV causes an estimated 3.6 million RSV-associated hospitalizations and approximately 100 000 RSV-attributable deaths in children under 5 years of age worldwide .
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, UK
Leveraging RSV genetic sequence data for public health: Sebastian Maurer-Stro, GISAID
Q&A
Closing remarks: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO HQ