Topic summary
Novel pathogen
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Emerging infectious disease.
Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens
On 16 July 2021, the Director-General of WHO announced the formation of the Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), which is to be a permanent advisory body of the organisation. The Group was formed with a broad objective to examine emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The group's primary objective is to provide scientific guidance on identifying the origins of emerging pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. The group has also recommended enhanced global surveillance systems. According to the WHO Director-General, "SAGO will play a vital role in the next phase of studies into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the origins of future new pathogens."