Genomic surveillance boosted by Türkiye’s experience

Türkiye unveiled a draft National genomic surveillance strategy (GSS) at the PHA4GE (Public Health Alliance for Genomic Epidemiology) conference 2023, reflecting its commitment to global public health genomics. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the delegation also presented research showcasing the nation’s proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring its contribution to global health security.

Along with Dr Süleyman Yalçın, head of the National Molecular Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Türkiye emphasized the importance of a national GSS under the EU-funded Strengthening national capacities against COVID-19 project. Recommendations included establishing a formalized network of global health genomics professionals, capacity-building workshops for low- and middle-income countries, cross-sector partnerships, ethical frameworks for data sharing, and a standardization of protocols.

“The presentation of our work at the conference helped me realize the global significance of Türkiye’s experiences in the field of genomic epidemiology,” said Dr Yalçın. “As a result, I had the opportunity to meet numerous researchers willing to share their own experiences and collaborate further with our institution.”

Looking ahead

Türkiye’s research efforts, including using innovative bioinformatics methods, such as ‘’hybrid assembly’’, were well-received. Paper 1, analysing 192 SARS-CoV genomes, demonstrated the nation’s commitment to advancing public health genomics. The successful submission of Paper 2 to the international journal ‘’Frontiers in Public Health’’ further solidified Türkiye’s contribution to global scientific knowledge.

Potential partnerships were fostered with the American Center for Disease Control (CDC), National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdon of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), Africa CDC, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), and the Denmark Staten Institute, as well as with international institutions, such as EMBL-EBI (European Molecular Biology Laboratory- European Bioinformatics Institute) and the WHO Pandemic Hub. Collaborative discussions centred around strengthening global capacities for infectious disease surveillance, in line with WHO’s mission. 

The presentation, networking activities, and outcomes reinforce Türkiye’s commitment to collaborative science and shared learning, essential to creating a healthier world for everyone. Furthermore, they underscore the importance of genomics and bioinformatics in global public health decision-making.