Why is it in the news?

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently launched ‘CoViNet,’ a global laboratory network dedicated to monitoring emerging coronaviruses.

More about the news

• CoViNet comprises 36 laboratories from 21 countries across all six WHO regions, with expertise in human, animal, and environmental coronavirus surveillance.
• Initially established during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, CoViNet expands on the WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network and will now address a broader range of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and potential new coronaviruses.
• The objectives of CoViNet include facilitating and coordinating global expertise and capacities for early and accurate detection, monitoring, and assessment of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and novel coronaviruses.
• CoViNet aims to monitor the global circulation and evolution of these viruses, emphasizing the importance of a ‘One Health’ approach that considers the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
• Additionally, CoViNet seeks to provide timely risk assessment for these viruses to inform WHO policy related to various public health and medical countermeasures, ensuring effective response strategies are implemented worldwide.