Strengthening global preparedness: launch of the network of Sites of WHO GISRS Investigations and Studies (Unity Studies)

A global launch

To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has launched a network of sites of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations and Studies, more simply referred to as Unity Studies. This initiative provides a harmonized approach to conducting targeted investigations, studies, and enhanced surveillance critical for assessing the risk of novel influenza viruses and other emerging respiratory pathogens of pandemic potential.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a suite of existing influenza and MERS early investigation protocols were quickly adapted for use during the pandemic, branded as Unity Studies and implemented widely. As of 22 September 2021, WHO had information on 339 Unity-aligned studies (WHO-supported and non-WHO-supported) that were planned, ongoing or completed, in 114 Member States in all six WHO regions¹.

Held virtually between 28 May and 5 June 2025, the launch of this network of sites brought together over 60 participants. Attendees included representatives from current and prospective network sites from all WHO regions, WHO staff from headquarters, regional and country offices, and global technical partners.

This network of sites builds on that initiative, promoting standardized and quality studies, and supports Output 2 (Collaborative surveillance through GISRS) of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework Partnership Contribution High-Level Implementation Plan III 2024-2030.

Strengthening capacity for targeted and specialized investigations

Over the course of five sessions, participants explored how the network sites can conduct targeted investigations and studies critical to assessing novel influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential thereby strengthening GISRS operations and enhancing preparedness. Sessions featured presentations and interactive discussions on:

• The evolution and objectives of the Unity Studies
• Alignment with global pandemic preparedness strategies
• Protocols for transmission and seroprevalence investigations –led by partners from the University of Melbourne and SeroTracker – including implementation challenges and possible strategies to address them
• The ethical challenges in implementing Unity Studies
• Next steps and future priorities for the network sites 
  

Key outcomes and next steps

The meeting concluded with a shared vision for the network’s future and a commitment to strengthening global mechanisms for rapid investigations and studies through the establishment of a sustained network of sites. Key actions points following the meeting include:

• Sites to select, adapt, and test protocols during the inter-pandemic period
• Creation of an online community of practice to foster collaboration
• Development of support tools for implementation

These collective efforts are expected to play a critical role in ongoing and future pandemic preparedness and response.

Find out more at Global Influenza Programme