In a concerted effort to combat the ongoing threat of coronaviruses worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the launch of a new network called CoViNet. This initiative aims to streamline global expertise and resources for the early detection, monitoring, and assessment of various coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and potential novel strains posing public health risks.

CoViNet builds upon the foundation laid by the WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network, which initially focused on SARS-CoV-2 during the early stages of the pandemic. However, recognising the broader spectrum of coronavirus threats, the network will now encompass a wider range of coronaviruses and expand its reach to include expertise in human, animal, and environmental surveillance.

CoViNet is a network of 36 laboratories located in 21 countries across all six WHO regions. These laboratories recently gathered in Geneva on March 26-27 to create a detailed action plan for 2024-2025. The main objective is to provide WHO member states with improved abilities to detect, assess risks, and respond to health problems related to the coronavirus.

The meeting served as a platform for global experts in human, animal, and environmental health to adopt a collaborative "One Health" approach. This approach emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in combating disease spread. By leveraging advanced surveillance techniques, laboratory capacity, sequencing technologies, and data integration, CoViNet aims to inform WHO policies and support decision-making processes.

Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, acting  Director of the WHO Department of Epidemics and Pandemics Preparedness and Prevention, thanked partners around the world for their commitment to research into highly dangerous coronaviruses. Dr Van Kerkhove emphasised the importance of CoViNet for the timely detection, surveillance and assessment of coronaviruses with public health implications.

“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,” Dr. Van Kerkhove said. 

“This new global network for coronaviruses will ensure timely detection, monitoring, and assessment of coronaviruses of public health importance,” she added.

The data generated through CoViNet's activities will play a crucial role in guiding the work of WHO's Technical Advisory Groups on Viral Evolution (TAG-VE) and Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC), among others. These advisory groups rely on the latest scientific insights to shape global health policies and tools, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in addressing evolving coronavirus threats.

In summary, the launch of CoViNet marks a significant milestone in the global fight against coronaviruses. By fostering collaboration among experts worldwide and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, WHO aims to bolster the world's defences against current and future coronavirus challenges, safeguarding public health on a global scale.