R&D blueprint for action to prevent epidemics

The R&D Blueprint is a global strategy and preparedness plan to ensure that targeted R&D can strengthen the emergency response by bringing medical technologies to patients during epidemics. The Blueprint aims to reduce the time between the declaration of an international public health emergency and the availability of effective tests, vaccines and medicines that can be used to save lives and avert crisis.

At the request of its 194 Member States, WHO has convened a broad global coalition of experts to develop the Blueprint and a platform for accelerated R&D. The Blueprint will be presented to Member States at the next World Health Assembly in May 2016.