Priority Pathogens for New Vaccine Research and Development (R&D)
Based on regional evidence and stakeholder values
Priority Pathogens for New Vaccine R&D
Different regions struggle with different pathogens.
The top 10 pathogens for each region were identified by combining regional stakeholder surveys with regional data on endemic pathogens.
Together, the top 10 pathogens for all regions make up the 17 global priority pathogens for new vaccine R&D.
Vaccines for these pathogens will be useful wherever they cause disease. And they will be especially important in their priority regions.
Priority Pathogens for New Vaccine R&D
These pathogens cause more than death and disability.
Regional stakeholders also prioritized pathogens that cause drug resistance, cause disease outbreaks, or increase social inequity.
Priority Pathogens for New Vaccine R&D
These pathogens do not affect all people equally. Stakeholders prioritized pathogens that cause the most deaths and disability, particularly among infants and children.
Vaccines for these pathogens could also benefit the elderly and other high-risk groups, such as pregnant persons, persons with chronic medical conditions, communities with high disease rates, and travellers to endemic regions.
Some vaccines would be important for all people in endemic areas.
Priority Pathogens for New Vaccine R&D
Vaccines are among the most impactful public health interventions, but many pathogens remain for which we do not yet have vaccines.
To accelerate R&D, this project identified 17 priority pathogens for new vaccine R&D under Immunization Agenda 2030.
It started with all pathogens that currently cause human disease, have important unmet needs for vaccines, and have vaccines in the pipeline.
By combining regional data on each pathogen with regional stakeholder surveys, the project systematically identified 17 global priority pathogens for new vaccine R&D. The regional approach ensured that the global priorities reflect the unique challenges of each region.
Continue scrolling to learn more about the 17 priority pathogens.
For detailed methods, see the publication.