WHO´s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) conducts its first meeting

The group agreed to meet frequently and focus urgently on advising on the overarching framework to study the emergence of novel pathogens, as well as to rapidly undertake an assessment of the current understanding of the origins of SARS-CoV-2

WHO´s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) held its first meeting yesterday.

The meeting was largely procedural, and included the appointment of the Chair Dr Marietjie Venter from South Africa and Vice-Chair Dr Jean-Claude Manuguerra from France.

The group agreed to meet frequently and focus urgently on advising on the overarching framework to study the emergence of novel pathogens, as well as to rapidly undertake an assessment of the current understanding of the origins of SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19.

The SAGO will have the following functions, as per its terms of reference:

• To advise WHO on the development of a WHO global framework to define and guide studies into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential
• To advise WHO on prioritizing studies and field investigations into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential, in accordance with the WHO global framework described in point (1) above
• To provide information and views to assist the WHO Secretariat in the development of a detailed work plan of the SAGO

In the context of SARS-CoV-2 origins:

• To provide the WHO Secretariat with an independent evaluation of all available scientific and technical findings from global studies on the origins of SARS-CoV-2;
• To advise the WHO Secretariat regarding developing, monitoring and supporting the next series of studies into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, including rapid advice on WHO’s operational plans to implement the next series of global studies into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, as outlined in the Joint WHO-China Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part report published on 30 March 2021 and advise on additional studies as needed; and
• To provide additional advice and support to WHO, as requested by the WHO SAGO Secretariat, which may include participation in future WHO-international missions to study the origins of SARS-CoV-2 or other emerging pathogens.