WHO forms new advisory group on origins of novel pathogens

With the formation of a new Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for experts to lend their knowledge on the origins of pathogens with wide-reaching potential.

This multidisciplinary group will consist of up to 25 members, with a broad range of technical knowledge and field experience related to dealing with pathogens of epidemic or pandemic potential. Such diseases include the ongoing pandemic-causing SARS-CoV-2, as well as pathogens such as MERS-CoV, Lassa, Marburg, Ebola, and Nipah.

SAGO’s role will be as expert counsel, providing insight into origins of such pathogens, and assisting in the development of early actions for both their rapid detection and mitigation. It will help decide what studies to prioritize and investigations to pursue. It will also offer an independent evaluation of all scientific and technical findings into the origins of SARS-CoV-2. Through SAGO’s advice and the foundations of a One Health approach, WHO will push forward on research to prevent additional pandemics.

However, interested experts will need to apply by Sept. 10. Those tapped for the role will need to be free of any real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest.