WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics

WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics

SM Rafiq
A lady lab technician is performing research and technology work in karachi, Pakistan.
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Targeting research on diseases of greatest epidemic and pandemic threat

Prioritizing pathogens and families to accelerate R&D on safe and effective medical countermeasures.

The WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics has a primary goal to accelerate the development of medical countermeasures (MCMs). Since 2015, its primary goal is to make these countermeasures available for diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential, thereby contributing to the prevention of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs) and saving lives during outbreaks. The WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics functions as a global platform for research and development collaboration, stressing the significance of international cooperation in expediting the research and development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) to respond to epidemics and pandemics. 

At the core of its efforts lies the concept of 'Pathogen Prioritization'. In November 2022, the WHO launched a new global Pathogen Prioritization effort. The renewed approach advocates for a scientific framework to enhance preparedness for forthcoming outbreaks, PHEICs, and pandemics by focusing on research of Viral and Bacterial Families, rather than isolated pathogens deemed to present global risks. This global pathogen prioritization process involved over 200 scientists from more than 50 countries who evaluated the evidence related to 28 Viral Families and one core group of Bacteria

On 9-10 May 2024, a Pathogen Prioritization meeting was organized served as the culmination of the process and provided an opportunity to finalize share the outcomes and results across various viral and bacterial families and develop a strategy for the future. The key deliberations and outcomes of the Pathogen Prioritization are captured in the following report.