Genomics costing tool, user manual, 2nd edition

The second edition of the Genomics Costing Tool builds on the first version, which focused on SARS-CoV-2, by enabling costing a broader range of viral and bacterial pathogens, including influenza and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Developed by WHO in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Laboratories, FIND, and the UK Health Security Agency, this edition features an expanded list of sequencing platforms and reagents and is designed to remain adaptable as pathogen and technology needs evolve.

The GCT is a Microsoft Excel–based interactive tool supported by a detailed user manual. The manual provides step-by-step guidance for data collection, cost estimation, and interpreting outputs to inform financial planning and resource mobilization for infrastructure, workforce, biosafety, and quality management across genomic surveillance systems.

The tool is intended for policymakers at all levels, health administrators and economists, laboratory leaders, quality managers, donor institutions, and other stakeholders involved in sequencing and bioinformatics for priority pathogens.

The tool is available in English, French, Russian and Spanish. The user manual is currently available in English and will soon be available in French, Russian and Spanish. Training videos will also be released shortly in English, French and Russian to support users in applying the tool.

For any queries regarding the tool or the manual, please, contact eulab@who.int.

Related document (Excel-based interactive costing tool):
https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/385075