WHO calls for sharing of genetic data of pathogens during disease outbreaks

Sharing genetic data of pathogens has become important after repeated global crisis with Ebola and Zika

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a public consultation on the sharing of genetic data of pathogens during infectious disease outbreaks.

The global body has also released a draft code of conduct on this and is inviting comments on the document.

The six-page document aims to put together a protocol on how countries can share genetic sequence data (GSD) of pathogens during infectious disease outbreaks, in an “open and timely” manner and in a way that is “equitable”.

Having access to this genetic data can help in understanding and controlling outbreaks. It will allow better tracking of epidemics, predicting its spread,