The World Health Organization has taken a major step to identify possible pandemic causing pathogens in an effort to prepare and minimize the global effects.
The process which began on Friday, will consist of over 300 scientists who will consider the evidence on over 25 virus families and bacteria. These include βDisease Xβ, an unknown pathogen that could potentially cause a serious international epidemic.
βTargeting priority pathogens and virus families for research and development of countermeasures is essential for a fast and effective epidemic and pandemic responseβ, said Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of WHOβs Health Emergencies Programme.
βWithout significant R&D investments prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it would not have been possible to have safe and effective vaccines developed in record timeβ, he added.
This project will oversee the research and development (R&D), of vaccines, tests, and treatments of these possible viruses and diseases. It will include both scientific and public health criteria, as well as criteria related to socioeconomic impact, access, and equity.