Gov’t to allocate P362M for Covid-19 genomic bio-surveillance

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government will allocate P362 million for genomic bio-surveillance to strengthen the country’s efforts against Covid-19, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday.

It will be the Department of Health (DOH) that will “mobilize” its resources and invest in bio-surveillance on Covid-19, he said.

“The conduct of whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of the virus will enable us to understand the evolution of the geographical and time scales,” he said in a press briefing.

Genomic bio-surveillance will also help assess the impact of specific mutations of Covid-19 on its viral properties such as infectiousness and virulence, Nograles added.

Genomic bio-surveillance will also be important for the country’s Covid-19 vaccination program.

“A better understanding of the virus and its possible mutations will enable us to implement a more responsive vaccination program and execute other existing health interventions and to prepare for future pandemics,” the Palace official said.

EDV

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