WHO R&D Portal

The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine is an effective, and essential public health intervention, with a proven record. It prevents life‑threatening liver disease by stopping mother‑to‑child transmission at birth. WHO is aware of the proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine in Guinea‑Bissau. Based on questions raised in publicly available information and consultation with relevant experts, WHO has significant concerns regarding the study’s scientific justification, ethical safeguards, and overall alignment with established principles for research involving human participants. (Feb 2026)

The new WHO Full value of improved influenza vaccine assessment (FVIVA) estimates that if improved, next-generation, or universal influenza vaccines are available and widely used between 2025 and 2050, they could prevent up 18 billion cases of influenza and save up to 6.2 million lives globally. Collaboration among developers, manufacturers, donors, multilateral organizations, and policymakers is essential to maximize public health impact (Feb 2026)

WHO analysed paediatric oncology trials registered between 2007 and 2022, to identify childhood cancer medicines. Mechanism of action, molecular target, malignancy inclusion in trials, paediatric-friendly formulations, regulatory approval status for each cancer medicine and for CAR-T cell therapies were analysed. Investigate the data for yourself at the Global Observatory for Health R&D. (Feb 2026)