WHO global framework to define and guide studies into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential
Developed by the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens
Overview
The WHO global framework to define and guide studies into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential, developed by the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) has been designed as a resource for Member States. It provides, for the first time, comprehensive guidance on the studies that are needed to investigate the origins of emerging and reemerging pathogens.
Timely investigations into pathogens’ origins are critical for preventing and containing global health crises. Their findings provide the basis for stopping outbreaks before they begin, halting transmission chains and reducing the risk of pathogen spillover from animals to humans. They can also confirm or exclude the possibility of an unintentional breach in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.
The framework also offers recommendations on the capacities needed to conduct these studies and the critical importance of sharing all findings as soon as possible to guide next steps.
Note: The framework has been updated and published again on 11 February 2025, following editorial (not technical) changes in the publication. These editorial changes were made to align with WHO's internal publications policy. The changes include the insertion of a list of abbreviations and acronyms, as well as declarations of interest (which had been signed by all SAGO members at the beginning of their term).
