WHO and Switzerland Strengthen Partnership for Global BioHub System The World Health Organization (WHO) and Switzerland have reinforced their collaboration to establish a global BioHub system that will enhance global health security by facilitating rapid access to biological samples and data for pathogen surveillance and response. Joint Declaration of Intent A Joint Declaration of Intent was signed between WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Swiss Confederation President Ignazio Cassis. The agreement outlines the shared commitment to: * Establish a global BioHub system that is accessible to all countries. * Ensure equitable sharing of biological samples and data. * Strengthen global pathogen surveillance and response. * Promote capacity building and technical support for low- and middle-income countries. The Global BioHub System The global BioHub system aims to create a network of physical and virtual hubs around the world where biological samples, data, and knowledge are collected, analyzed, and shared. This will enable scientists, researchers, and public health officials to quickly identify and respond to emerging disease threats. Swiss Expertise and Support Switzerland brings a wealth of expertise in bioinformatics, laboratory diagnostics, and international health. The country has also committed to providing financial support for the development and operation of the global BioHub system. Significance for Global Health Security The global BioHub system will play a crucial role in strengthening global health security by: * Enhancing early detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks. * Providing real-time access to critical data for decision-making. * Facilitating collaboration among experts and institutions worldwide. * Reducing the risk of catastrophic pandemics. Next Steps The WHO and Switzerland will work together to establish the global BioHub system, starting with regional hubs in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The system will be developed in close collaboration with other international partners and stakeholders. This strengthened partnership between the WHO and Switzerland is a significant step towards advancing global health security and protecting the world from future disease outbreaks.WHO BioHub Partnership Extended for Epidemic PreparednessWHO BioHub Partnership Extended for Epidemic Preparedness The Swiss government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have extended their partnership in the WHO BioHub system for an additional three years. Launched in 2020, the WHO BioHub is a platform for the rapid and voluntary exchange of biological materials with epidemic or pandemic potential. Established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO BioHub aims to facilitate the swift development of life-saving tools like diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments. Several milestones have been achieved since its launch, including the establishment of the first WHO BioHub facility in Spiez, Switzerland. The Spiez facility handles the secure analysis and distribution of biological materials. It currently houses SARS-CoV-2 variants and mpox samples, with more pathogens expected in its maximum containment facility. This hub plays a crucial role in maintaining global health security. The extended partnership will enable the continued operation and development of the WHO BioHub system, bolstering international preparedness for potential epidemics and pandemics.World Health Organization and Switzerland Strengthen Partnership for Global BioHub System The World Health Organization (WHO) and Switzerland have announced a strengthened partnership to establish a global BioHub system. This system aims to enhance global health security by providing rapid access to essential biological materials and technical expertise in the event of pandemics or other health emergencies. Switzerland will provide financial support to the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, contributing to the establishment of regional BioHubs in strategic locations around the world. These hubs will act as repositories for high-quality biological materials, such as viruses, bacteria, and genetic sequences, allowing for rapid access to samples for research, development, and production of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for a well-coordinated and rapid response to global health emergencies,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The BioHub system will strengthen our capacity to detect, assess, and respond to future pandemics and other health threats.” Swiss President Ignazio Cassis emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing global health challenges. “By supporting the WHO and the BioHub system, Switzerland is committed to building a stronger and more resilient global health architecture,” he said. The BioHub system will complement existing global health security mechanisms, such as the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). It will also contribute to the WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), which monitors influenza viruses and provides guidance on pandemic preparedness and response. The partnership between WHO and Switzerland is a significant step forward in strengthening global health security and reducing the risk of future pandemics. By providing access to essential biological materials and technical expertise, the BioHub system will support the rapid development of effective countermeasures to emerging health threats.