Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released a new global research agenda aimed at strengthening clinical evidence for children aged 0–9 years, following concerns that children remain significantly underrepresented in clinical trials worldwide.
The technical report, titled The Future of Paediatric Clinical Trials – Setting Research Priorities for Child Health, was published on Thursday on the WHO website, outlines critical gaps in evidence needed to inform clinical guidelines, national health policies, and treatment programmes for children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO noted that while major gains have been made in child health in recent decades, progress has been uneven, and preventable illnesses continue to cause high morbidity and mortality.
“This research agenda offers governments, partners and research institutions a clear direction for investment,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Department of Science for Health. “By identifying where evidence is most needed, it creates an opportunity to coordinate resources and foster collaboration to address the highest-burden areas affecting children today.”
The agenda was developed using a global consultative process involving more than 380 experts, national programme leaders, researchers and community representatives. From 653 initial research questions, a refined list of 172 priority clinical research areas emerged, covering infectious and noncommunicable diseases, newborn health, child nutrition, and early development.
Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health and Ageing, stressed the need for sustained funding. “Strategic and sustained investment will be critical. This agenda provides a shared roadmap to align resources and ensure research leads to real improvements in child health,” she said.
WHO will work with Member States to support regional collaboration, integrate research into national health systems, and mobilize funding to advance implementation.
About the Author
Chukwu Obinna 
Korede Abdullah 