UP expert leads WHO group probing origins of virus that causes Covid-19
The international expert group was selected from 800 applications from over 100 countries, whereby only 27 experts were chosen, with the only South African, stemming from Pretoria.
A University of Pretoria (UP) professor is to chair an international scientific advisory team appointed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to probe the origins of novel pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 which causes Covid-19.
The international expert group was selected from 800 applications from over 100 countries, whereby only 27 experts were chosen.
UP Professor Marietjie Venter will be in charge of the prestigious scientific advisory group for the origins of novel pathogens.
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The UP head of the zoonotic arbo and respiratory virus programme at the centre for viral zoonoses is a medical virologist with extensive experience in emerging and zoonotic vector-borne and respiratory viruses.
She is also the only South African in the group.
UP spokesperson Prim Gower said Venter and other members would be working for free.
“The group will advise WHO on the development of a global framework to define and guide studies into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential, including SARS-CoV-2.
“Venter uses the One Health approach to solve disease outbreaks in humans, animals and the environment. She has a background in molecular epidemiology, laboratory science including biosafety, viral diagnostics, virus discovery, pathogenesis and public health.”
The group held their first meeting on Tuesday, and agreed to meet frequently and focus urgently on advising on the overarching framework to study the emergence of novel pathogens.
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They will also rapidly assess the current understanding of the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
According to WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “the emergence of new viruses with the potential to spark epidemics and pandemics is a fact of nature, and while SARS-CoV-2 is the latest such virus, it will not be the last.”
Venter said if the origin of new pathogens could be identified, “it may enable us to put control measures into place to prevent transmission to humans, reduce the impact of local epidemics, and prevent future pandemics”.
She said the selection was a career highlight and a huge honour for her.
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“I see this as an opportunity to use my training in zoonotic diseases, One Health, molecular epidemiology, laboratory biosafety and public health.
“It’s an opportunity to lead an exceptional selection of scientists to investigate the origin of emerging diseases such as Covid-19, but also the cause of the next pandemic.”
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