Updating the WHO public health research agenda for influenza: meeting report, Geneva, Switzerland, 27-29 August 2024

Overview

This meeting report summarizes a World Health Organization technical consultation held in Geneva in August 2024 to update the public health research agenda for influenza. Building on previous iterations, the meeting reviewed recent scientific advances, lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing challenges posed by seasonal, zoonotic and pandemic influenza. Participants examined progress across key research areas, identified priority gaps and agreed on updated research directions to strengthen global preparedness and response.

The report presents discussions structured around thematic streams covering the emergence and transmission of influenza viruses, disease burden and prevention, clinical management, and the development of new public health tools, including genomic technologies, modelling and communication strategies. Cross-cutting issues such as equity, data integration and alignment with public health policy are emphasized. The document outlines agreed research priorities and next steps towards finalizing the updated agenda, and is intended to guide researchers, policy-makers and public health practitioners in advancing influenza research and supporting future global health initiatives.