Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global network of laboratories named CoViNet, aimed at identifying and monitoring potential novel coronaviruses.
- CoViNet will not only focus on SARS-CoV-2 but also assess other coronaviruses like MERS-CoV, enhancing laboratory capabilities.
- The network will include animal health and environmental surveillance to enable timely risk assessment, informing WHO policies and protective measures.
- CoViNet aims to support the establishment of more laboratories in low- and middle-income countries to monitor MERS-CoV and other significant coronaviruses.
- CoViNet comprises 36 laboratories from 21 countries across all six WHO regions, including three from India.
Coronaviruses, being RNA viruses, are a significant concern in this context, with some causing mild illnesses like the common cold while others, such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, have led to severe outbreaks and pandemics.
