Launched in early 2024, the WHO CoronaVirus Network (CoViNet) aims to detect, monitor and carry out in-depth genetic analyses of coronaviruses and their variants in humans and animals. The network is currently deployed in 20 countries on five continents. It will enhance risk assessment, information exchange and preventive measures against emerging or circulating coronaviruses. Its work will inform the WHO’s actions and political decision-making at national as wellas global level.
The UNIGE and HUG Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases and the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) are jointly nominated as CoViNet laboratories for Switzerland.The two institutions have been working together since 2020 on the
study of coronaviruses. The focus of the work will be assessment of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and on the effectiveness of the vaccines available to combat them.
Furthermore, the work will be based on the integrative One Health approach, which aims to balance and sustainably optimise the healthof people, animals and ecosystems.
- Link to CoViNet webpage of WHO
- Press relese HUG here.
- Press release UNIGE here