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Diagnostics + Genomics: The Most Realistic Path to Stopping the Next Pandemic

Diagnostics + Genomics: The Most Realistic Path to Stopping the Next Pandemic Insight Scaling molecular diagnostics and genomic surveillance —with friction-free data sharing—is the most practical way to prevent and contain biological threats. Success depends on primary health care (PHC) readiness, hospital-level diagnostics , regional sequencing hubs , and routine One Health monitoring of high-risk human–animal interfaces (including wastewater). Sustainable impact requires local capacity , affordable tools , smart sampling design , and real-time integration of results into public health action. Why this policy matters In the wake of COVID-19—and echoing lessons from Ebola (2014–2016) and SARS-CoV-1 (2003)—many commissions have recommended reforms to strengthen global health security. Among them, one stands out as both ambitious and practical: build molecular diagnostics a...
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The BSL-4 Boom: Pandemic Preparedness Needs a Biosecurity Upgrade The COVID-19 era supercharged high-containment lab capacity worldwide—especially BSL-4 facilities. That’s good for research and preparedness, but risky without equally strong oversight, workforce standards, infrastructure resilience, and cyberbiosecurity. We need a smarter global biosecurity order to keep pace. A Rapid Build-Out—And Its Blind Spots Between 2019 and 2023 , the number of high-containment biological laboratories—particularly BSL-4 —jumped from 51 to 69 , the largest expansion in history. These facilities are essential for studying dangerous pathogens, preventing natural outbreaks, and preparing against bioterrorism. But the scale and speed of growth have outpaced the guardrails required to keep them safe. Without stronger oversight, expansion can itself become a biosecurity risk. Location, Location… Risk Roughly 75% of new BSL-4 facilities are slated for densely populated...
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From Stopgaps to Self-Reliance: Building Africa's Genomic Future Through University Education For years, our firm has proudly partnered with the Africa CDC to deliver essential short-term training for scientists and public health professionals across East, Central, and West Africa. These fellowships have been invaluable, meeting immediate needs and equipping talented individuals with critical skills. However, our experience has led us to an unavoidable conclusion: these programs are vertical interventions —necessary stopgaps that fall short of building the sustainable, long-term capacity Africa desperately needs to tackle its health challenges. The Data Tsunami and the Skills Drought Africa is navigating a complex health landscape. Frequent and severe infectious disease outbreaks persist, now compounded by the rapidly rising burden of non-communicable diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic, while devastating, spurred a monumental expansion of genomic infrastructure across the continent. T...
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