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<p>The United Kingdom has large-scale sequencing capacity and extensive specialist
expertise and is uniquely positioned to help address global sequencing capability
gaps. Through the New Variant Assessment Platform (NVAP) programme, Public Health
England (PHE) will work to support global partners to strengthen their genomic sequencing
capability, either by building on existing infrastructure or by conducting sequencing
and analysis of samples in the UK if there is no in-country capability.</p><p>The
NVAP will also enable the biological assessment of emerging variants, strengthening
horizon scanning and public health decision-making, both in this country and abroad.
This includes a risk assessment from the point when a mutation is first identified,
to ongoing assessment as more information becomes available. The platform will also
agree pathways for biological analysis, diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics as
appropriate. PHE is working with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
to deploy a Technical Advisor for regional level support.</p>
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