The Network of National COVID-19 Data Portals: public health equity through collaboration

The network of the national COVID-19 Data Portals was developed and linked to the COVID-19 Data Portal (https://www.covid19dataportal.org/)inresponsetothe need for rapid data sharing and analysis during the 2020-2022 SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Built on open-source code developed by the Swedish COVID-19 Data Portal (now the Swedish Pathogens Portal, www.pathogens.se) the network included 12 national portals addressing demand for local open data sharing and access, across data types and resources. It provides a robust case study of national initiatives for FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) resources and a foundation for future pandemic preparedness across pathogens globally. In this paper we outline the structure of the origins of the network of National COVID-19 Datal Portals, the technical aspects and code originating from the Swedish Portal and provide an overview of the services and tools offered by each Portal. The paper showcases the process and operation of four Portals: Sweden, Poland, Spain, Norway and The Netherlands. In this study, we observe that pandemic response greatly benefits from an established infrastructure that can be quickly mobilised, developed and extended. Collaborations and preparation built on solid foundations over several years, supported by investment in the form of national and international research grants, is key for sustainability, continuation and readiness to deploy such efforts.