About the Global Observatory on Health R&D

The Global Observatory on Health R&D (hereafter called ‘the Observatory’) is a global-level initiative that aims to help identify health R&D priorities based on public health needs.

Strategic objective

The Observatory provides a comprehensive and authoritative ‘one-stop-shop’ for up to date information and analysis on health R&D to serve health R&D monitoring and decision-making needs globally and within WHO related to: 

• R&D gaps and priorities for new investments
• Needs for capacity strengthening for health research and development

Opportunity 

An expanding amount of untapped data sources and information is being exploited to enhance knowledge and information sharing.

For the first time, there is a coherent approach for tracking and analyzing health R&D, with WHO’s assessment of unmet public health needs as the starting point.

Added value 

• Consistent analytical approach across health categories and across the whole (R&D) space of each disease/condition and health system questions.
• Enables coordination of R&D investments, decision-making and monitoring at all levels.