In November 2023, WHO convened the first Global Clinical Trials Forum in Geneva, responding to concerns raised at the 2023 World Health Assembly about the lack of high-quality, policy-relevant clinical evidence. The Forum acknowledged that children were generally under-represented in research and that research for children in low resource setting is critically needed to inform policy and practices. In response, the WHO’s Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Ageing (MCA) and the Research for Health Department in WHO’s Science Division is conducting a global research prioritization exercise to identify the top research questions in child health (0-9 years).
Currently, the global research endeavour does not reflect the mortality and morbidity burden faced by children and does not reflect the impact of early health on their lifetime trajectories or development potential. Although some research priorities exist, there is no global consensus on a research agenda to improve child survival and health—particularly one that reflects the priorities of national health authorities and affected communities.
The goal of this exercise is to shape the child health research agenda by identifying the most critical research questions that are likely to change policies and have the most impact in improving health outcomes for newborns, infants, and children over the next decade. This is anticipated to guide future funding investments in research and collaboration efforts within the global child health community.
The following stakeholders in the field of child health are encouraged to participate: researchers, programme managers, clinicians, implementers, and community partners across various epidemic and geographic settings.
Guidance and background information are provided at the start of the survey. Participants are encouraged to read these carefully before submitting priority research questions.
Submit your priority research questions here:
Survey deadline: 6 December 2024
For any questions, please contact the WHO team at childresearchpriorities@who.int.