This study represents the first comprehensive global initiative to systematically rank endemic pathogens based on various criteria, including regional disease burden, the risk of antimicrobial resistance, and socioeconomic effects.
The findings reaffirm established priorities for vaccine research and development (R&D), particularly for diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, which together account for nearly 2.5 million deaths annually.
Additionally, the study highlights pathogens like Group A streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae as significant disease control priorities across all regions, underscoring the urgent need for new vaccines to combat pathogens that are increasingly resistant to existing antimicrobials.
“Global decisions regarding new vaccines have often been influenced primarily by potential financial returns, rather than the number of lives that could be saved in the most at-risk communities,” stated Dr. Kate O’Brien, Director of the Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals Department at WHO.
“This study leverages extensive regional expertise and data to evaluate vaccines that could substantially decrease diseases affecting communities today and alleviate the medical expenses faced by families and health systems.”
WHO engaged international and regional experts to determine the most critical factors influencing their decisions on vaccine introduction and usage. The analysis of these preferences, along with regional data for each pathogen, led to the identification of the top 10 priority pathogens for each WHO region.
These regional lists were then merged to create a global list, culminating in 17 endemic pathogens that require further research, development, and implementation of new vaccines.
The newly established global priority list of endemic pathogens by the WHO for vaccine research and development aligns with the Immunization Agenda 2030, which aims to ensure that individuals across all regions have access to vaccines that safeguard them against serious illnesses.
This list serves as an equitable and transparent foundation for shaping both regional and global strategies for new vaccine research, development, and manufacturing. It is designed to provide clear guidance to researchers, funding bodies, manufacturers, and nations on where vaccine R&D efforts can yield the most significant benefits.
This prioritization initiative for endemic pathogens complements the WHO's R&D blueprint for epidemics, which has identified key pathogens that pose a risk for future epidemics or pandemics, including COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
The insights from this recent report on endemic pathogens contribute to the WHO's ongoing efforts to pinpoint and address the research priorities and requirements of immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries. This work aims to shape the global vaccine R&D agenda and strategically promote the development and adoption of essential vaccines, particularly those targeting pathogens that impose the highest public health burdens and socioeconomic challenges.
WHO Priority endemic pathogens list
Vaccines for these pathogens are at different stages of development.
Pathogens where vaccine research is needed
- Group A streptococcus
- Hepatitis C virus
- HIV-1
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
Pathogens where vaccines need to be further developed
- Cytomegalovirus
- Influenza virus (broadly protective vaccine)
- Leishmania species
- Non-typhoidal Salmonella
- Norovirus
- Plasmodium falciparum (malaria)
- Shigella species
- Staphylococcus aureus
Pathogens where vaccines are approaching regulatory approval, policy recommendation or introduction
- Dengue virus
- Group B streptococcus
- Extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)