Newsletter
November 2019
A revised strategy for the next GloPID-R phase
Over several years, GloPID-R has succeeded in bringing together a large network of funders with a common interest in research preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Previous and current outbreaks continue to advance and deepen the experience of GloPID-R Members, of other networks and of research initiatives. All these stakeholders remain committed to the quick deployment of funds for research, for supporting health systems and to preparing research priorities for future epidemics.
As the need for stronger research preparedness becomes increasingly clear, GloPID-R has revised its strategy to enhance its impact and further strengthen cooperation between GloPID-R members. Collaboration between members before, during and after an outbreak, is key to supporting national priorities and research plans and this next strategic phase includes a fine-tuning of Member participation.
As we know, research takes time to plan, invest and implement. Preparedness is a priority objective for GloPID-R and as such, continuing to work closely with WHO is key to reinforcing our effectiveness in this area. By identifying concrete actions and deliverables in coordination with WHO, and defining a working model for collaboration, we will strengthen the complementarity of stakeholders and avoid duplication of resources.
GloPID-R’s reach and impact rely on how well we communicate our action and priorities. With the revised strategy, visibility of the alliance and its members will be reinforced, as will the capacity for influence of the network.
On December 17th and 18th in London, GloPID-R will hold a meeting on finding synergies between the GloPID-R Clinical Trial Network and GloPID-R member funded cohorts on emerging diseases to improve collaboration in the event of an emergency epidemic or respiratory pandemic. Specifically, this frontiers meeting will explore the feasibility of scaling up clinical research networks and emerging pathogen cohort studies in the event of an epidemic, using technologies that enable timely data collection, analysis and dissemination. Options for sustaining these networks and cohorts in order to support strategic research capacity, especially in global regions prone to and vulnerable to emerging epidemics, will be explored.
The current Ebola outbreak in DRC continues to highlight the importance of preparedness and response. Despite public mistrust and conflict affecting response in parts of the region, new tools, including vaccines, have helped contain the outbreak, the second worst ever in history. Vaccinations with the Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo vaccine regimen, developed by J&J, have now started in Goma, through a clinical trial funded by an international consortium, which includes GloPID-R observer CEPI and other GloPID-R members. Although the priority remains the operational response to the outbreak, GloPID-R is maintaining regular contact with WHO to be informed and aware of priority research gaps and needs. Outbreaks like Ebola expose the challenges and issues, including political, regulatory and logistic ones, that still need to be addressed on a mid- and long-term perspective. Nevertheless, the Chairs, supported by the Secretariat, aim to reinforce the impact of the GloPID-R alliance, through added-value projects and through a structure that will reinforce the ownership and participation of its Members, to further develop shared principles and policies addressing research preparedness and response.
Best regards,
Barbara Kerstiëns
GloPID-R Vice Chair