Sentinel: An Early Warning System for Pandemics

Christian Happi and Pardis Sabeti introduce Sentinel, an early warning system for pandemics, built on three pillars: Detect, Connect, and Empower. Detect involves using genome sequencing and CRISPR to identify viruses. Connect focuses on sharing data through a cloud-based system. Empower aims to train health workers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for such systems. Sentinel's tools are crucial for both preempting and responding to pandemics.

What is the primary goal of the Sentinel system?

• To develop vaccines

• To provide healthcare to all

• To preempt pandemics

• To cure infectious diseases

Which technology is used in the Detect pillar to identify viruses?

• Ultrasound

• X-ray

• MRI

• CRISPR

What is the function of the SHERLOCK tool?

• To test known viruses on paper strips

• To connect health workers

• To sequence genomes

• To develop vaccines

What is the main purpose of the Connect pillar?

• To sequence genomes

• To train health workers

• To share information across the public health community

• To develop new medicines

How does the Connect pillar improve outbreak tracking?

• By using paper records

• By hiring more doctors

• By developing vaccines

• By using a cloud-based system

What is essential for the success of an outbreak surveillance system according to the Empower pillar?

• Advanced technology

• Government support

• Empowering frontline health workers

• More funding

How many health workers do Christian and Pardis plan to train in the next five years?

• 1,000

• 500

• 1,500

• 2,000

What was a significant achievement of Christian's lab during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Building a new hospital

• Creating a new diagnostic tool

• Sequencing the first COVID-19 genome in Africa

• Developing a vaccine

What does Pardis Sabeti emphasize about the role of individuals in the Sentinel system?

• Each person should develop vaccines

• Each person should donate to health organizations

• Each person should become a doctor

• Each person should stand guard and monitor health

What does the current pandemic reveal about global preparedness?

• We are well-prepared

• We are unprepared

• We have too many resources

• We have no need for new systems