MoHFW has proposed to launch Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium for effective genome surveillance

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed to launch Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium for effective genome surveillance. The overall aim of the proposed Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium is to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi-laboratory network. This vital research consortium will also assist in developing potential vaccines in the future.

In the present scenario, it will be pertinent that an effective genome surveillance is established with the following objectives:

• To ascertain the current status of new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01) in the country;
• To establish a sentinel surveillance for early detection of genomic variants with public health implication;
• To determine the genomic variants in the unusual events/trends (super-spreader events, high mortality/morbidity trend areas;