SPADA

WHA resolutions andWHO Protocol approval process • 1999WHA resolution - postpone decision on destruction until 2002 • 2002WHA resolution - postpone decision on destruction • 2005WHA – Increased focus on “essential” public health research • Interpreted by WHO committee to preclude fundamental research – Major review of the research to the WHA in 2011 • Advisory Group of Independent Experts (AGIES) review Variola virus research in 2010 • 2011WHA – Resolution to revisit in 3 years • AGIES conduct second review of Variola virus research in 2013 • 2013WHA – Request to consider question of synthetic biology • Report to be shared 2016

Virus characterization

“Genomic sequencing and limited study of Variola virus surface proteins derived from geographically dispersed specimens is an essential foundation for important future work. Such research could be carried out now, and could require a delay in the destruction of known stocks, but would not necessitate their indefinite retention.*”

* Assessment of Future Scientific Needs for Live Variola Virus ; N.A.Press (1999)