World Health Organization (WHO) scientists have stated that efforts should be scaled up to quickly identify and study the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Besides monitoring, virus and serum samples should be shared through globally agreed mechanisms so that critical research can be started each time, stated the agency. Speaking at a virtual meeting of scientists from around the globe, Ana Maria HenaoRestrepo, Head of WHO’s R&D Blueprint, said, “Our collective goal is to get ahead of the game and have a global mechanism to quickly identify and study variants of concern and understand their implications for disease control efforts.” Participants noted the significance of research in detecting and understanding the potential impact of emerging variants on diagnostics, treatments and vaccines, and stressed on the significance of integrating new SARS-CoV-2 variants research into the global research and innovation agenda… (UN, January 13, 2021)