Bridging the gap in genomics equity: WHO and partners collaborate to advance genomics capabilities and access across the Western Pacific Region

Genomic surveillance − monitoring the genetic makeup of pathogens that cause diseases − plays a key role in early warning systems for infectious diseases. It provides information on how pathogens are behaving and evolving, which helps to guide response measures and public health actions. Genomic sequencing has played a vital role in the investigation and management of disease outbreaks such as Ebola, Zika, cholera, polio, COVID-19 and, most recently, mpox.

Despite the crucial role that genomic surveillance plays in protecting public health, the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the pervasive inequity that persists in access to innovative tools such as genomic sequencing. Speaking about this inequity at the Fourth Meeting of the Western Pacific Region Emerging Molecular Pathogen Characterization Technologies (EMPaCT), World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, shared, "As someone from the Pacific, I have witnessed first hand the challenges that small island countries and areas face in accessing advanced health technologies, including genomic sequencing. Genomic surveillance is not a luxury − it is a necessity. Every country, no matter how small or remote, should have access to and capacity for genomic sequencing."

Building and sustaining in-country capacities in genomic surveillance

To address genomic surveillance−related health inequities in the Western Pacific Region, WHO set a bold target: by 2029, all Member States in the Region will have timely access to genomic sequencing, with 70% achieving in-country sequencing capability. WHO works with a wide network of regional partners to expand access to genomic surveillance tools and enhance national workforce capacities to detect, monitor and respond to emerging disease threats.

In 2021, 11 countries in the Region had in-country genomic sequencing capacity. Through the sustained efforts of WHO and partners, that figure has grown to 15 countries in 2025.

From April to September 2025 − with funding from the German Government and in partnership with the International Pathogen Surveillance Network and the Centre for Pathogen Genomics (CPG) in Australia − WHO trained and mentored 25 public health laboratory representatives from Cambodia, Fiji, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Viet Nam in genomic sequencing for high-threat pathogens. Targeting the ongoing global mpox outbreak, the programme focused on teaching participants about laboratory procedures for mpox as a high-threat pathogen, innovative tools and approaches, and data-driven public health actions.

^{Photo caption: Senior molecular scientist Rebecca Narokobi from Papua New Guinea participates in a training at CPG, Australia. (photo credit: CPG)}

Janlyn Kemoi-Kumbu, a laboratory manager at Papua New Guinea's central public health laboratory at the National Department of Health, described the challenges the country faces in accessing timely genomic sequencing through international referral mechanisms. "Papua New Guinea is vulnerable to many diseases that require genomic sequencing for identification. However, at present, there is no in-country sequencing capacity, which leaves us dependent on external laboratories. Through the WHO−CPG-led training programme, we are now on our way to establishing sequencing capacity."

Echoing this sentiment, Rebecca Narokobi, a senior molecular scientist from Papua New Guinea, explained the value of the programme and its role in bridging genomic surveillance−related equity gaps across the Region: "This in-country capability reduces both our reliance on overseas laboratories, as well as the turnaround time required for producing results. We can also now begin to provide some genomic analysis for immediate clinical decisions and outbreak response efforts during an emergency."

Convening a community of genomics partners to expand regional capabilities

EMPaCT has played an instrumental role in sustaining and expanding genomic sequencing capacity in the Region. The network catalyses collective action, enables sharing of resources and promotes cross-border, cross-sectoral collaboration. This important work − utilizing genomic sequencing to inform public health actions through enhanced connectivity and collaboration − is supported by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Leveraging the EMPaCT network, WHO built consensus around an operational road map and prioritized regional actions for scaling up and sustaining genomic surveillance. At the latest WHO-led EMPaCT meeting, more than 100 participants across the Region endorsed the EMPaCT approach and the operational road map to ensure greater equity in genomic surveillance implementation and access.

Dr Gina Samaan, WHO Regional Emergencies Director for the Western Pacific, shared the value of this collaboration through the EMPaCT network: "Genomic surveillance is not only about sequencing, but also about protecting communities, saving lives and preparing for tomorrow's threats. With the solidarity shown through the EMPaCT network, by 2029, in line with WHO's regional vision, every country in the Western Pacific Region will have not only timely access, but also the capacity to generate, analyse and use genomic data to drive public health action."