Enhancing Pathogen Genomic Data Sharing in Low-Resource Settings

Wellcome commissioned Research Consulting to conduct a comprehensive analysis of barriers to pathogen genomic sequence (PGS) data sharing in low-resource settings. The study, conducted from July to October 2024, aimed to identify technical solutions that could enhance global health security – a need powerfully demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when rapid PGS data sharing proved crucial for vaccine development and variant tracking.

The research methodology followed a rigorous three-phase approach:

1. A survey targeting stakeholders working with PGS data in low resource settings.
2. In-depth interviews with key stakeholders.
3. Two facilitated workshops bringing together diverse global participants, with representation from low- and middle-income countries.

The analysis revealed twelve technical opportunities for improving data sharing infrastructure. However, the research emphasised that successful implementation depends on broader ecosystem factors: trusted institutional relationships, robust data governance, systems for attribution and credit, and sustained capacity building efforts.