WHO/IPSN announced yesterday (4 November 2025) the publication of its guidance entitled, “Attributes and principles of genomic data-sharing platforms supporting surveillance of pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential”. The document is available at https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/383193.
The 28-page document has been in development since last year, with an open-comment period at the beginning of 2025 and with contributions from dozens of technical experts from across the globe.
The document very effectively builds on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with regard to the governance of data-sharing platforms and policies around data curation. For funders considering proposals to develop, enhance or maintain platforms for sharing genomic data, the document provides a valuable framework for evaluating those proposals. Twelve broad “attributes ” are considered:
- Governance
- Transparency
- Infrastructure and security
- Data scope
- Data submission
- Data curation
- Data provenance
- Access
- Interoperability
- Data use and benefits sharing
- Analytic and reporting capabilities
- Sustainability
Each of these are discussed and include specific “principles”. These principles should not necessarily be considered “requirements”, but it may be reasonable to ask proposers to go through the full list and, where necessary, to justify why the proposed project can’t comply with specific items.
WHO is planning a webinar on November 24th to present the document and to take questions. See our “Events” page for more details