WHO Identifies 17 Pathogens for Vaccine Development

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 17 endemic pathogens that require urgent vaccine development, as detailed in a new study published in eBioMedicine. This represents the first global effort to systematically prioritize these pathogens based on criteria such as regional disease burden, antimicrobial resistance risk, and socioeconomic impact. Notably, longstanding vaccine priorities like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis remain critical, causing nearly 2.5 million deaths annually. The study also emphasizes the need for new vaccines against pathogens like Group A streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are increasingly resistant to current treatments. Dr. Kate O'Brien from WHO expressed that vaccine decisions have often been influenced by financial returns rather than the lives saved in vulnerable communities. This priority list supports WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030, aiming for equitable vaccine access across all regions.