Pathogen genomic sequencing (PGS) is transforming infectious-disease public health, offering an unprecedented ability to track, analyze, and combat pathogens.
This technology deciphers the genetic code of viruses, bacteria, and parasites, providing critical insights into how diseases spread, evolve, and resist treatment. While the ability to sequence DNA has existed since the 1970s, major advancements in sequencing technology over the past two decades have increased speed, efficiency, and accessibility.
Consider this: The first human genome took an army of researchers and nearly $2 billion to decode in the 1990s. Today, the same process costs just $100 and takes mere hours.
The implications for public health are profound, yet the full potential of PGS has yet to be realized where it’s most needed, in low and middle-income countries. That’s where PIVI, a program of The Task Force for Global Health, comes in.
Why Pathogen Genomic Sequencing Matters
PGS has revolutionized the way we detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. By sequencing the genomes of pathogens, scientists can:
- Identify and track disease outbreaks with far greater precision.
- Rapidly determine if a pathogen is resistant to antimicrobial treatments.
- Support the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the power of this technology. When new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2020, sequencing allowed scientists to track their spread and assess their impact. Global health leaders, including the Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust, saw the potential for PGS beyond COVID-19 and recognized the urgent need to expand its use.
However, implementing PGS at scale presents challenges. Unlike traditional disease surveillance methods, PGS generates vast amounts of data. This requires advanced bioinformatics, specialized expertise, and significant computing power—resources that many ministries of health lack.
Without coordinated investment and collaboration, there is a risk of duplication, fragmentation, and missed opportunities to maximize impact.
PIVI: The Right Partner to Lead This Effort
Recognizing the need for a unified approach, the Gates Foundation turned to The Task Force for Global Health in 2023, leveraging its success in coordinating global vaccine initiatives. PIVI, known for its leadership in influenza vaccine programs, was chosen to establish a global forum for funders investing in PGS efforts in low- and middle-income countries.
This initiative builds on the success of the Universal Influenza Vaccine Funders Forum (UNIFLUVAC). UNIFLUVAC has helped funders align efforts, share insights, and avoid duplication in vaccine development. The PGS funders forum operates similarly—offering a networking platform for collaboration.
At its core, the forum is about communication. It provides a space for funders to:
- Share updates on ongoing projects and funding priorities.
- Build relationships with peers working in the same space.
- Identify gaps in funding and ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.
Addressing Key Challenges in Pathogen Genomic Sequencing
One of the most pressing issues in PGS is data sharing. While there is strong support for making genomic data publicly available for the greater good, concerns exist that shared data could be used to develop products that may not be accessible to the countries contributing the data.
Additionally, privacy concerns arise when sequence data is linked to patient information. The funders’ forum provides an avenue to navigate these complex issues and establish best practices that balance transparency, equity, and ethical considerations.
The Road Ahead
The first in-person meeting will took place in London in May 2025, bringing together funders to discuss priorities, identify collaboration opportunities, and address challenges in scaling PGS worldwide.
As this field continues to evolve, the need for coordination will only grow. PIVI’s leadership ensures that funders are not working in isolation but are instead aligned in their efforts to make PGS a cornerstone of global public health.
By investing in PGS, we can better detect and control diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, respiratory viruses, HIV, and antimicrobial-resistant infections—protecting millions of lives worldwide.
And by fostering collaboration among funders, PIVI is helping to create a more effective, equitable, and impactful approach to pathogen surveillance.
Now is the time to act. By supporting this work, we can unlock the full potential of pathogen genomic sequencing and build a healthier, more resilient world.