WHO, in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), FIND and the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has launched an updated version of the Genomics Costing Tool (GCT 2.0) to help countries better understand the costs of establishing, expanding and maintaining genomic surveillance systems. The tool is designed to support sustainable planning and investment in genomic surveillance, which plays a critical role in tracking pathogens, detecting outbreaks early and improving disease response strategies.
Genomic surveillance works by analysing the biological characteristics of pathogens, allowing health authorities to monitor how diseases spread and evolve. However, setting up and operating these systems can be technically complex and financially demanding. WHO officials emphasized that understanding the complete cost structure of genomic surveillance is essential to ensure that such systems remain operational and effective over time.
The first version of the tool was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help countries estimate the costs of sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Due to strong global demand and feedback from users, the updated version now supports planning for a wider range of pathogens, including influenza viruses and tuberculosis. The tool aligns with WHO’s global strategy for integrating genomic surveillance into routine disease monitoring and epidemic preparedness systems.
The updated Genomics Costing Tool enables countries to estimate expenses related to equipment, workforce, laboratory consumables, quality assurance and operational systems. It also helps governments compare different technologies and testing approaches to identify the most cost-effective solutions. By offering a clearer picture of long-term investment needs, the tool supports more informed decision-making and gradual scale-up of genomic surveillance based on national priorities and available resources.
Designed as an interactive Excel-based resource, the tool can be adapted to different country contexts and is intended for policy-makers, laboratory managers, health programme leaders and funding agencies involved in genomic surveillance planning. It is accompanied by a detailed user manual explaining how to collect data, estimate costs and interpret results. The tool is currently available in English, French, Russian and Spanish, while additional training materials and language support are expected in the coming months.
WHO noted that the updated tool builds on earlier pilot experiences conducted in countries such as Georgia, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova and Uzbekistan under the Better Labs for Better Health initiative. The organization highlighted that stronger genomic surveillance systems are essential for improving health system resilience and preparing countries to respond effectively to future health threats.
The development of the tool was supported through collaboration among multiple international partners and donors. WHO, APHL and FIND acknowledged contributions from organizations including the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Unitaid, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the International Pathogen Surveillance Network. The initiative reflects a broader global effort to strengthen disease surveillance capacity through coordinated partnerships and sustainable investment planning.
