WHO Collaborating Centre for Child Health (Rotavirus)
The WHO Collaborating Centre for Child Health plays a vital role in the global standardisation of rotavirus detection and characterisation. The Centre provides expert advice and technical guidance to laboratories and scientists worldwide, supporting best practices in methodology, quality systems, and troubleshooting.
As part of its ongoing contribution to global surveillance efforts, the Centre has played a key role in revising the WHO Surveillance Network Training Manual. This revised manual outlines the methodology for G and P genotype characterisation of rotaviruses and is distributed for use across participating countries.
The Centre continues to evaluate and refine the G and P genotyping assays. This includes testing alternative buffers, primers, and reagents to enhance assay performance and reliability.
Members of the Melbourne-based Centre also participate regularly in meetings of the WHO Technical Working Group for Rotavirus Surveillance, contributing expertise to global strategy and implementation.
Header image: © WHO / Tom Vierus