Data and scientific insights about new infectious agents should be quality controlled and shared as swiftly as possible with the scientific community and other relevant stakeholders, and without detrimental impact on the sharer.

It is of crucial importance that scientists around the world obtain fast access to data about new infectious agents that could present a challenge to humanity. This can include the genetic sequence, how the agent spreads, which symptoms are associated with it, and whether any available treatments work.

In 2021, South Africans felt punished – instead of applauded – for discovering Omicron, a concerning new variant of Covid-19.