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Preparing Switzerland better for epidemics
The challenge
Pathogens, disease-causing microbes, circulate in animals, food and the environment. How can we detect them effectively to prevent them spreading to humans?
The solution
The Swiss Pathogen Surveillance Platform (SPSP) securely centralises genetic data from human, animal, food and wastewater samples. It provides information on pathogens in circulation to the federal authorities, in particular the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FOSV).
The impact
By providing a national view of the circulation of pathogens, SPSP strengthens national coordination and enables health authorities to act quickly to contain emerging epidemics and prevent future crises.
Did you know?
Since 2021, the SPSP has been collecting and analysing thousands of sequences from viruses, bacteria and fungi for public health surveillance in Switzerland. The platform forms part of the Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics, led by the SIB, which places Switzerland at the forefront of preparedness for emerging threats.