18/12/2025
Pathogen genomics is the study of the genetic material of viruses, bacteria, and other microbes to understand how they spread, evolve, and cause disease. In NHS Wales, this helps track outbreaks and improve public health responses.
Pathogen genomics clinical and public health services are delivered by PHW in Wales, working as an integral part of Genomics Partnership Wales.
Public Health Wales delivers this through the Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGU), a specialist lab in Cardiff. PenGU analyses samples to detect mutations, monitor antibiotic resistance, and support outbreak investigations. This service plays a vital role in managing infectious diseases such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, and HIV, enabling clinicians and public health teams to respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats.
To outline their ongoing strategy, PHW has created a new Pathogen Genomics Delivery Plan for 2026–2029, which builds on work established by the current Genomics Delivery Plan for Wales (2022–2025).
The plan is ambitious and encompasses eleven objectives and activity under two broad categories of enablers, with specific actions being delineated for delivery, subject to future funding.
How can you get involved?
Because the plan covers many important areas and is relevant to several audiences, Public Health Wales are inviting individuals to take part in a consultation process.
They are now inviting you to take part in an open consultation process by reviewing the draft actions and providing your comments and feedback. Once all feedback has been received, PHW will use it to ensure the final version of the plan accurately reflects the priorities and needs of the diverse stakeholders involved.