ABSTRACT
Through the implementation of a test and trace system, disciplined public health measures, the acceleration of vaccinations, and a genome surveillance programme, LMICs such as Indonesia can prevent future outbreaks and survive the COVID-19 pandemic. https://bit.ly/3JBBSie.
ABSTRACT
Early detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and use of data for public health action requires a coordinated, rapid, and high throughput approach to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Currently, WGS output from many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) has lagged. By fostering diverse partnerships and multiple sequencing technologies, Indonesia accelerated SARS-CoV-2 WGS uploads to GISAID from 1,210 in April 2021 to 5,791 in August 2021, an increase from 11 submissions per day between January to May, to 43 per day between June to August. Turn-around-time from specimen collection to submission decreased from 77 to 5 days, allowing for timely public health decisions. These changes were enabled by establishment of the National Genomic Surveillance Consortium, coordination between public and private sector laboratories with WGS capability, and diversification of sequencing platform technologies. Here we present how diversification on multiple levels enabled a rapid and significant increase of national WGS performance, with potentially valuable lessons for other LMICs.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption in all aspects of life, and countries around the world have been combating this pandemic using multiple approaches. Success in one country does not guarantee a transferable approach to other countries with different contexts. This review describes the challenges of COVID-19 management in Indonesia as a populous, socially and culturally diverse, and archipelagic country. It aims to provide multidisciplinary perspectives for a safe, evidence-based, and productive new normal as well as a comprehensive and integrated actionable policy for COVID-19 control.