Enhancing whole genome sequencing (WGS) capacities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and future health threats in Estonia

ongoing

This project is a continuation of the past project ‘Enhancing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and/or Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) national infrastructures and capacities to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic in Estonia’ and it aims to continue the work in the field of enhancing WGS and RT-PCR national infrastructures and capacities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and future health threats under the EU4Health Programme (EU4H). This project aims to finalize the WGS sequencing structure in Estonia Health Board as its mission is to improve health emergency preparedness and response to potential and existing health treats in the field of infectious diseases. In addition to sequencing capacity building also the improvement of laboratory information system (LIS) is proposed. The aim for new LIS is to be modern and flexible, based on micro services architecture and effectively adjustable. To improve the workflow, strengthen achieved capacities and offer more effective monitoring and enhanced preparedness in Estonia as well as in EU.