The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new technical report outlining global research priorities for paediatric clinical trials. The publication, The future of paediatric clinical trials – setting research priorities for child health, establishes a coordinated agenda to close critical evidence gaps affecting children aged 0–9 years.

Despite progress in child health, many children – especially in low- and middle-income countries – still face preventable illness and limited access to treatments tailored to their needs. Children remain under-represented in clinical trials, leading to a lack of evidence to inform policies and clinical guidelines. The new agenda aims to support countries and partners in focusing research where it can deliver the greatest public health benefit.

The priorities were developed through a global and inclusive process involving experts, national programme leaders, researchers and community representatives. More than 380 stakeholders contributed over 650 research questions, which were reviewed and refined to produce 172 priority areas spanning infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, newborn health, early childhood development and nutrition.

The report also highlights the importance of regional collaboration, integrating research into national health systems and strengthening institutional capacity for multi-country trials. It calls for coordinated financing approaches to accelerate implementation and ensure that research efforts are directed where they can have the greatest impact.

WHO will work with Member States and partners to support the uptake of this agenda, promote cross-sector dialogue and mobilise resources for priority research. By focusing on shared priorities and ensuring equitable inclusion, the initiative aims to make future paediatric research more responsive to the needs of all children.