Arenaviridae research and development roadmap

Overview

This roadmap sets out priority research and development actions to accelerate the availability of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines for arenaviruses, a diverse family of rodent‑borne viruses that can cause severe human disease, including viral haemorrhagic fevers. Developed through the WHO R&D Blueprint and the Collaborative Open Research Consortium for Arenaviridae, it reflects expert input and evidence reviews covering both Old and New World mammarenaviruses.

The roadmap identifies critical knowledge gaps, technological needs and time‑phased milestones across surveillance, viral biology, diagnostics, medical countermeasures and community engagement. By promoting coordinated, open and family‑centric research, it aims to strengthen preparedness, reduce response timelines and improve global health security.