WHO launches CoViNet

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched CoViNet-a global network of laboratories to identify and monitor potentially novel coronaviruses that could emerge shortly.

  • Besides SARS-CoV-2, the new WHO Coronavirus Network will assess other coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV, with enhanced laboratory capacity.
  • The international agency widened its focus by building on its earlier collaboration with the WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network, which was set up in January 2020 during the pandemic to confirm the disease.
  • The network will now have animal health and environmental surveillance and timely risk assessment to feed WHO policies and protective measures.
  • In low- and middle-income countries, the new network will support the building of more laboratories to monitor MERS-CoV and novel coronaviruses of public health importance.

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