Introduction

Scientific breakthroughs in pathogen genomics can transform public health responses—if policymakers understand and act on them. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated this potential on an unprecedented scale. More than 16.8 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences have been submitted to GISAID—far exceeding the total submissions for all pathogens combined from 2000 to 2019 in both GISAID and NCBI. The genomics expertise and facilities developed during the pandemic are now being leveraged for the surveillance of other pathogens, strengthening public health preparedness. The key challenge now is: how can we effectively translate such complex data into compelling evidence that drives policy decisions?

Having briefed national policymakers in Pakistan during critical outbreaks, including COVID-19 and Mpox, I have learned that the impact of genomic surveillance depends not just on data generation but also on how well it is communicated. This article explores key strategies to bridge the gap between genomics and decision-making, ensuring that scientific evidence informs timely and effective public health interventions.

Know Your Audience

One of the biggest mistakes scientists make when communicating genomic data is neglecting their audience. Policymakers, often from non-technical backgrounds, may struggle to grasp the complexities of pathogen genomics. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I made this mistake while briefing Pakistan’s National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), where key decision-makers included a planning minister and a military general—both unfamiliar with genomic data. Even the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, an infectious disease expert, found genomics to be uncharted territory. My key takeaway? Always tailor your message to your audience. Before presenting, take time to understand their background—whether they are non-specialists or technical experts with decision-making authority. This simple step can make your insights far more impactful.

Avoid Jargon and Simplify Complex Information

Another common mistake scientists make is using excessive jargon—technical terms that can confuse non-experts. In pathogen genomics, a simple example is replacing the word mutation with change to make the concept more accessible. I learned this lesson when, during an NCOC briefing, a member interrupted me and asked me to simplify my message. I had been using SARS-CoV-2 lineage names (such as B.1.1.7 instead of Alpha variant), which meant little to my audience. Once I switched to commonly recognized names like Alpha, Beta, and Omicron, the discussion became far more engaging. Pathogen genomics offers powerful insights, but if the message isn’t clear, it risks being misunderstood—or worse, ignored. Clarity and simplicity don’t dilute science; they make it actionable.

Connect Data to Policy Actions

To maximize the impact of genomic surveillance, scientists must clearly link genomic findings to policy decisions such as travel restrictions, vaccine rollouts, and public health messaging. An example from Pakistan underscores this point. In February 2021, COVID-19 case numbers were declining after the second wave. However, our genomic data at the National Institute of Health (NIH) showed that the Alpha variant (then known as the UK variant) was increasing exponentially. We reported this trend to the NCOC in a timely manner. The result? Almost one and a half months later, the third wave began, driven by the Alpha variant. Sharing our genomic data early gave policymakers time to prepare for a possible new wave of infections.

This experience was a turning point, as it demonstrated to policymakers the importance of genomic surveillance. At NIH, we successfully used SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance data to detect the emergence and spread of the Delta variant before the fourth wave and Omicron and its subvariants before the fifth and sixth waves. By consistently providing timely genomic insights, we strengthened national preparedness and response efforts, ensuring that scientific evidence informed public health decisions.

Be Clear and Confident in Your Recommendations

Policymakers need clear, actionable insights—not uncertainty. Most of the time, they seek straightforward solutions—a yes or no response to critical questions. Using confident language helps instill trust in scientific findings. Instead of saying "The data suggests...," use "The data shows..." when evidence is strong.

I saw the importance of clear communication when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in July 2022. The declaration caused significant anxiety among health authorities in Pakistan. Misinformation and fear led to unnecessary measures, such as screening passengers at airports and collecting respiratory swabs—neither of which were appropriate for Mpox (lesion swabs are recommended). Our virology department at NIH received an influx of improper samples, leading to wasted resources and confusion.

Recognizing this issue, I provided a concise briefing to clarify key differences between Mpox and SARS-CoV-2. I explained that unlike SARS-CoV-2, which spreads primarily through respiratory transmission, Mpox is mainly transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals. I also emphasized the genetic distinction between the two viruses—Mpox, being a DNA virus, mutates far less frequently than the RNA-based SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, I provided clear guidance on patient selection, emphasizing the need to test only those with characteristic skin lesions rather than asymptomatic individuals. I also outlined proper sample collection techniques, highlighting that lesion swabs—not respiratory samples—are essential for accurate diagnosis. Additionally, I explained the recommended laboratory diagnostic methods, including real-time PCR for detecting Mpox virus DNA, ensuring that health authorities understood the best approach for reliable case confirmation. This short yet targeted intervention had a significant impact. It not only alleviated fear but also corrected the response strategy, ensuring that valuable resources were directed toward appropriate diagnostic and containment measures.

Use Visuals to Enhance Understanding

Policymakers process visual information much faster than raw data, making clear and intuitive visuals essential for effective communication. Instead of overwhelming them with intricate genetic details, use simplified figures, graphs, and infographics that highlight key findings in a clear and actionable way.

I experienced this firsthand while briefing Pakistan’s National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. I initially presented a figure showcasing specific mutations detected through PCR to identify the Alpha variant. However, the technical nature of the figure—featuring genetic targets and mutation sites—proved challenging for non-scientific decision-makers to interpret. Midway through my presentation, the NCOC chairman interrupted and said, "This is too technical—just tell us what it means for our response."

Recognizing this, I later adopted a more visual approach, presenting a straightforward trendline that showed the Alpha variant's rise over time and its correlation with case surges. This shift in presentation made the data immediately understandable, allowing policymakers to grasp the significance of genomic surveillance in real time.

The lesson? A well-designed visual does more than simplify complexity—it transforms genomic insights into clear, actionable intelligence, ensuring that scientific evidence effectively informs public health responses.

Conclusion

Effectively communicating pathogen genomics to policymakers is essential for ensuring that genomic surveillance translates into meaningful public health actions. By tailoring messages to the audience, simplifying technical language, using confident and actionable recommendations, and leveraging clear visuals, scientists can bridge the gap between genomic data and policy decisions. The ultimate goal is to make genomics a cornerstone of public health strategy, ensuring that scientific advancements lead to timely interventions that save lives.

By ISID Emerging Leader, Dr. Massab Umair

The author is a virologist and public health expert with a focus on disease surveillance and health systems strengthening (massab.umair@yahoo.com).