Enhancing Global Preparedness for Future Pandemics: A Call to Action by CEPI and WHO
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a compelling appeal to researchers and governmental bodies worldwide. They are advocating for a comprehensive and accelerated approach to global research initiatives aimed at gearing up for the next pandemic.
Broadening Research Scope Beyond Individual Pathogens
A key focus of their call is the need to widen the scope of research to include entire families of pathogens capable of infecting humans, irrespective of their current perceived threat levels. This strategy emphasizes not only studying specific pathogens but also utilizing prototype pathogens as foundational references, thereby establishing a broader understanding across diverse pathogen families.
During the 2024 Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, WHO’s R&D Blueprint for Epidemics released a report advocating this expansive research methodology. The intention is to forge widely applicable tools, knowledge bases, and countermeasures that can be quickly adapted when facing emerging health threats. Additionally, this strategic framework seeks to expedite surveillance efforts as well as deepen our understanding of pathogen transmission dynamics and human immune responses.
A New Metaphor for Understanding Pathogen Research
The authors behind the report employed an engaging analogy likening scientists embarking on pandemic preparedness efforts to individuals searching in a darkened streetlight area—representing well-studied pathogens associated with known pandemic risks. By diversifying research through prototype pathogens, we can illuminate previously unexamined areas—revealing insights into pathogen families that remain largely unexplored. Unfortunately, many under-monitored regions globally perform limited studies due conduct resource constraints despite showing high biodiversity potential—a fertile ground where new viral threats may emerge.
The Role of WHO’s Framework in Shaping Future Strategies
Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI remarked on this scientific paradigm shift: “WHO’s newly established framework represents an essential evolution in how we develop countermeasures against infectious diseases—a method that greatly aligns with CEPI’s vision.” He highlighted at the summit how this coordination will direct focused surgical research towards complete pathogen families—strengthening global readiness against unforeseen viral variants and zoonotic spillovers labeled as “Pathogen X.”
Diverse Contributions from Global Experts Fuel Prioritization Efforts
This prioritization strategy resulted from thorough analyses conducted by over 200 scientists spanning more than 50 nations assessing 28 virus families alongside one primary group of bacteria consisting collectively of over 1,600 identified pathogens. Evaluating epidemic risk was grounded both in existing knowledge about these agents’ transmission patterns and associated healthcare responses like diagnostics or vaccine availability.
The Importance of Coordinated Research Initiatives Across Borders
CEPI along with WHO advocates fervently for synchronized global collaborations among researchers while preparing effectively against potential health crises triggered by pandemics.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO expressed using historical lessons concerning pandemics asserting: “It’s not just if another outbreak will occur; it’s merely when,” echoing similar sentiments on science being pivotal alongside decisive political action.
“The advancement lies within collective efforts spanning various countries participating closely together.”
Catalyzing Collaboration Through Innovative Structures: CORC Establishment
To operationalize these goals effectively moving forward—the WHO actively engages various international research institutions encouraging establishment pathways forming Collaborative Open Research Consortia (CORC) dedicated specifically per family groupings among contagious agents—with designated WHO Collaborating Centres. These hubs are designed foster excellence encompassing all stakeholders involved including funding entities & regulatory bodies promoting equitable access especially pertaining locations indicative high likelihood circulation regionally aligned infectious diseases .
