The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Swiss Confederation on May 24, 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the first WHO BioHub Facility as part of the WHO BioHub System.
- The WHO BioHub System was announced in November 2020.
About BioHub Facility
- This facility will enhance the rapid sharing of viruses and other pathogens between laboratories and partners globally.
- Based in Spiez, Switzerland, the facility will serve as a centre for the safe receipt, sequencing, storage and preparation of biological materials for distribution to other laboratories, in order to inform risk assessments, and sustain global preparedness against these pathogens.
- The BioHub will enable Member States to share biological materials with and via the BioHub under pre-agreed conditions, including biosafety, biosecurity, and other applicable regulations.
- This will ensure timeliness and predictability in response activities, says WHO.
About WHO?
- WHO began when its Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date we now celebrate every year as World Health Day.
- The World Health Assembly is attended by delegations from all Member States, and determines the policies of the Organization.
