Fernando Spilki is part of an effort led by the UK public health agency

The Dean of Research, Postgraduate Studies and Extension at Feevale University, Fernando Spilki, was invited by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – the United Kingdom's Public Health Agency – to participate as a collaborator in a global effort to genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. The virologist joined a meeting with the agency in Leeds and, afterwards, at the UK Health Security Agency Conference 2023.

The conference, whose subject was Prepare, respond, and build, took place at the Royal Armories Museum, in Leeds. The event brought experts from around the world to discuss the latest advances, strategies and innovations in health safety and security, as well as the impact of UKHSA on building a health system. In 33 sessions, topics such as partnerships for innovation, safer futures, prosperity, and equity through health security and building a successful health protection system were addressed.

Professor Spilki explains that Brazil and the United Kingdom have developed a very important partnership over the last two years, including the supply of reagents, equipment, and training events by the Brazilian group in genomic surveillance, in addition to frequent exchange of expertise, protocols and information. “At this event, we discussed with colleagues from the United Kingdom and other global partners about the continuity and expansion of surveillance efforts to monitor the evolution not only of SARS-CoV-2, but of other viruses relevant to public health”, he states.

According to the dean, Brazil is an important country in this context, as it has a large area, a large and diverse population and large urbanization, mixed with natural ecosystems with enormous biodiversity. “These efforts are relevant not only to anticipate changes in the epidemiological scenario of viral diseases that we know, but also to prepare against possible new pandemics”, adds Spilki.