A rapid evaluation of the UK Health Security Agency’s New Variant Assessment Platform global genomic surveillance programme

The New Variant Assessment Platform (NVAP) was a global genomic surveillance programme established by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in April 2021. The NVAP offered sequencing and biological assessment capabilities, technical assistance, and training to support the detection and assessment of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 and other high-priority pathogens globally. We present findings from a rapid evaluation of the NVAP. A mixed-method evaluation was conducted between June and November 2023 using a framework published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A review of the NVAP documentation, online surveys with partners and programme informants, and structured interviews with strategic informants were undertaken. Survey data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and interview data and the NVAP documentation were analysed thematically. Survey responses were received from 31/46 partners (67%) and structured interviews were conducted with 11/13 strategic stakeholders (85%). Partners provided evidence that the programme had met its overarching objectives. The NVAP enabled partners to start undertaking genomic surveillance or strengthened their existing capabilities. The importance of maintaining the global genomic surveillance capabilities developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting ongoing programme sustainability in an evolving global genomic surveillance landscape was a recurring theme. Further themes included developing a pathogen agnostic approach, strengthening collaborations, promoting data sharing, and enhancing aspects of the NVAP offer. The NVAP achieved its overarching objectives, and qualitative findings showed it was responsive to stakeholder needs. The programme closed on 31 March 2024 following public health management of COVID-19 aligning to other common respiratory illnesses. We recommend that global health stakeholders should build resilient and adaptive surveillance systems, ensuring rapid detection and response to future health threats. Future research should focus on the longer-term utility and sustainability of global genomic surveillance initiatives and programmes.