Strengthening existing laboratories and structures specialized in sequencing the virus genome, coordinating actions such as deforestation and animal breeding at an international level, transparency in data sharing and communication: these are some of the main actions indicated by the Covid-19 Commission of the Accademia dei Lincei, in a document addressed to policy makers, health institutions, research centres, scientists (academies of science and academies of medicine in particular), the press and the general public.
“When the pandemic is over, the temptation is to go back to normal life. However, this is the time when mutual trust and cooperation need to be strengthened, including understanding how to incorporate scientific evidence into policies,” reads the document, which intends to suggest actions to strengthen pandemic preparedness internationally and national, highlighting “the neglected or weak areas in the currently existing plans”.
The document indicates that “international coordination of actions against deforestation, the expansion of animal husbandry (especially ruminants), the limitation of the collection of wild animals, the hygiene of food markets and health-oriented dietary changes are needed planetarium. Research into the causal chains influencing the fallout of zoonotic pathogens on humans is needed.” It also notes the need for “coordinated international efforts to transition surveillance for COVID-19, from comprehensive case data collection to support integrated acute respiratory disease surveillance, including harmonized strategies for targeted testing for influenza and SAarsCoV2 and viral RNA sampling for real-time genomic monitoring of viral subtypes and variants”. Facilities for biological monitoring and genome sequencing of viruses and bacteria should also be “evenly distributed throughout the world”.
In addition to “transparent and accountable governance of data sharing”, conditions should be created for “near real-time integration of genome sequence data with complementary microbiological, clinical and epidemiological data”, Clinical Trial Networks, moreover they should be “prepared well in advance of the threat”.
As for communication, “The public sector (healthcare and preventive systems) must move from a communication style based mainly on the top-down release of information (perceived as paternalistic) to a method that encourages public participation and counteracts the strong impact of social media”.
Source: Ansa
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