Meeting of Sites of the WHO GISRS Investigations and Studies, also known as Unity Studies

28 May – 5 June 2025
Virtual Meeting*

Background  

Investigations and Studies, also known as Unity Studies, is a harmonized approach to conducting targeted investigations, studies, and enhanced surveillance critical for assessing the risk of novel influenza viruses and other emerging respiratory pathogens of pandemic potential. This initiative is closely aligned with efforts to strengthen and expand the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). It has evolved significantly from earlier “Special Studies” on influenza and other respiratory viruses and building on the experience of the COVID-19 Unity Studies. One of the most valued aspects of the Unity Studies experience has been the development of a network and community of practice, along with enhanced capacity for rapid investigations and studies. An external evaluation of the COVID-19 Unity Studies[1] highlighted these strengths and recommended establishing a sustained network of sites during inter-pandemic periods to ensure readiness for future pandemics.

With the unprecedented global spread of avian influenza A(H5) and its increasing spillover into mammals, including humans, there is an urgent need to enhance readiness for rapid detection and investigation of zoonotic influenza events, which could signal the start of the next pandemic. A key step in supporting this preparedness is to establish and formalize the GISRS capacity for Investigations and Studies – also known as Unity Studies- as part of broader efforts to strengthen, advance and expand GISRS operations at national, regional and global levels.  

This virtual meeting of the Sites of the WHO GISRS Investigations and Studies (Unity Studies) will bring together experts from the Sites, National Influenza Centres (NICs) in countries hosting the Sites, WHO Regional Offices, and global technical partners with expertise in this area.

Objective  

The objective of the meeting is to bring together the Sites of the WHO GISRS Investigations and Studies (Unity Studies), to:   

  • Introduce the Sites to the GISRS Unity Studies initiative and existing global and regional implementations.
  • Familiarize the Sites with GISRS Unity Studies protocols, toolkits and community of practice.
  • Build the capacity of Sites to adapt selected protocols to their national context.
  • Provide guidance on ethical considerations for implementing Unity Studies, including tools to support timely ethical clearance or waivers.
  • Define next steps for advancing the GISRS Unity Studies initiative.

Expected outcomes  

  • A functioning global mechanism enabling GISRS Investigations and Studies (Unity Studies) to be operational for the next influenza or other respiratory virus pandemic.
  • A network of Sites equipped with knowledge and understanding needed to implement this initiative of GISRS.
  • A comprehensive resource package to support protocol implementation and a shared vision for next steps.

Agenda outline  

The agenda is structured into four main sessions, each lasting approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours and scheduled on different days. These sessions will broadly cover below topics:

  1. Introduction and overview: A session to orient Sites to the initiative, available protocols, supporting toolkits within the broader context of WHO pandemic preparedness.
  2. Unity Studies: transmission investigations: A capacity building session to familiarize Sites with available transmission protocols, including how to adapt and apply them within their national context during the inter-pandemic period.
  3. Unity Studies: seroprevalence investigations: A capacity building session to introduce the seroprevalence protocol and guide Sites on adapting and applying it to their country context during the inter-pandemic period.
  4. Ethics and Next Steps: A session on the ethical aspects of Unity Studies implementation, followed by a concluding discussion on next steps and future priorities for the network of Sites of GISRS Unity Studies. 

Participants

Experts from: 

  • Sites of the WHO GISRS Investigations and Studies (Unity Studies)
  • National Influenza Centres in countries hosting the Sites
  • Technical partners
  • WHO HQ and ROs

[1]Hennessey, K., Pezzoli, L. & Mantel, C. A framework for seroepidemiologic investigations in future pandemics: insights from an evaluation of WHO’s Unity Studies initiative. Health Res Policy Sys 21, 34 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-00973-z

*To ensure effective global virtual participation, the meeting will be held during designated time slots within this period.