WHO public health research agenda for influenza, 2024 update

Overview

Influenza remains a major global public health threat, and its impacts are not yet fully understood. Since the WHO public health research agenda for influenza was updated in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided new insights into viral transmission and public health and social measures, while new mammalian hosts for avian influenza viruses and new vaccine platforms have emerged, underscoring the need to re-evaluate research priorities. 

This update identifies high-priority areas for influenza research for the next 5–10 years to enhance surveillance, reduce the burden of seasonal epidemic influenza and mitigate the risk and impact of pandemic influenza. It restructures the agenda to align with current scientific and public health priorities and adds a sixth stream on communication sciences. Informed by systematic literature reviews and expert working groups, the agenda reflects evidence and priorities as of 2024. It is intended to guide researchers, donors, funding agencies and public health professionals, with research directions assessed through an equity lens considering feasibility, access, affordability and inclusion.