Global Genomic Surveillance: On-The-Ground Responses

Abstract

Genomic surveillance has emerged as a fundamental tool in the global response to dengue virus (DENV), enabling the rapid detection of viral strains, monitoring of transmission dynamics, and assessment of evolutionary changes that may impact disease control strategies. This chapter examines the critical role of genomic surveillance in addressing the ongoing dengue crisis, highlighting its contributions to outbreak detection, strain characterization, and vaccine efficacy assessments. We provide a comparative analysis of regional approaches to genomic surveillance, emphasizing disparities in infrastructure, sequencing capacity, and data-sharing frameworks across different epidemiological settings. Despite its transformative potential, the implementation of genomic surveillance faces significant challenges, including logistical constraints, limited sequencing accessibility in resource-limited settings, and issues related to data integration and public health decision-making. We discuss these barriers and propose strategies to enhance genomic surveillance efforts, such as strengthening international collaborations, fostering capacity-building initiatives, and integrating real-time sequencing technologies with epidemiological and ecological modeling. Finally, we explore future directions in genomic surveillance, advocating for a more coordinated and sustainable approach to genomic data generation and utilization, ultimately improving global preparedness and response to dengue and other emerging arboviruses.