WHO Roadmap Targets Pandemics, Boosts Global Research Readiness Worldwide
Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization unveils new global research and development roadmaps to strengthen preparedness for future pandemics, prioritising faster development of diagnostics, vaccines and treatments.
Announced at the One Health Summit in Lyon, the frameworks target 10 viral families and selected bacteria, aiming to guide coordinated global research before outbreaks escalate. The initiative integrates the One Health approach, linking human, animal and environmental health.
WHO says its Collaborative Open Research Consortia (CORCs) will anchor the strategy, connecting scientists across borders to focus on priority pathogens. “CORCs are turning global scientific collaboration into a durable, decentralised and inclusive preparedness architecture,” says Sylvie Briand. “By organising efforts around pathogen families, we can anticipate risks and accelerate countermeasures before crisis strikes.”
Partners stress urgency in translating plans into action. “We don’t know what the next pandemic threat will be,” says Richard Hatchett of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. “Focusing on pathogen families helps us stay ahead of emerging threats and stop outbreaks early.”
National institutions also pledge support. ANRS Emerging Infectious Diseases highlights its work on filoviridae, reinforcing international collaboration. Director Yazdan Yazdanpanah says sustained partnerships will improve early detection and response capacity.
Experts conclude that political commitment, sustained funding and global cooperation remain critical to ensure the roadmaps translate into real-world pandemic defence systems. WHO Roadmap Targets Pandemics, Boosts Global Research Readiness Worldwide
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Otamere Gladness 