WHO Launches Global Research Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials.
New technical report sets priorities to improve evidence for child health policies and programmes.
Geneva, Switzerland:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a landmark technical report titled “The Future of Paediatric Clinical Trials – Setting Research Priorities for Child Health”, presenting a comprehensive global research agenda aimed at addressing critical gaps in evidence for children aged 0–9 years. The initiative is designed to guide coordinated action and investment in paediatric research, ensuring that health policies, clinical guidelines, and programmes are grounded in robust and inclusive evidence.
Despite significant progress in child health over the past two decades, preventable illnesses continue to cause high morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Children remain under-represented in clinical trials, creating substantial gaps in knowledge applicable to their needs. This new research agenda seeks to address these gaps by identifying priority questions where clinical trials can generate the greatest public health impact, support national decision-making, and improve outcomes for children at risk.
Inclusive Process to Identify Priorities
The agenda was developed through a rigorous, inclusive process involving over 380 global experts, national programme leaders, researchers, and community representatives, who collectively contributed 653 research questions. These were refined and prioritized by expert review, resulting in a final list of 172 clinical research priorities covering areas such as infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, newborn health, early childhood development, and nutrition.
The agenda emphasizes practicality, feasibility, scalability, and equitable impact, ensuring that the research priorities are actionable and aligned with real-world public health needs.
Strengthening Investment and Collaboration
Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Department of Science for Health, highlighted the significance of the agenda:
“This research agenda offers governments, partners, and research institutions a clear direction for investment. 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.”
Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health and Ageing, emphasized the need for sustained investment:
“Establishing research priorities is only the first step. Strategic and sustained funding will be critical to move these priorities forward. This agenda provides a shared roadmap that donors and partners can use to align investments, support national needs, and ensure that research leads to real improvements in child health.”
Focus on Regional Collaboration and Capacity Building
Beyond setting research questions, the report calls for regional collaboration, integration of research within national health systems, and strengthening of institutional capacity to support multi-country trials. It also highlights the importance of coordinated financing to accelerate implementation and ensure research investments target areas with the greatest potential for impact.
WHO will continue to work with Member States, research institutions, and partners to facilitate the practical application of this agenda, mobilize resources, and promote cross-sector dialogue. The organization encourages all stakeholders to use the agenda as a strategic tool to prioritize investments, foster collaboration, and generate evidence that informs policies and guidelines for children.
By addressing historical gaps and promoting equitable inclusion, the agenda aims to ensure that future research meets the needs of all children, including those who have traditionally been left behind, paving the way for more effective and evidence-based child health interventions worldwide.
This report represents a critical step in aligning global paediatric research with public health priorities, creating a roadmap for coordinated, impactful, and equitable evidence generation.
