Research in the context of epidemic threats

Pregnant and lactating women and their babies are often at increased risk of both direct and indirect adverse outcomes during epidemics and pandemics.

Despite repeated calls to generate evidence on the safety and efficacy of medicines, vaccines and other protective measures in the context of epidemic threats, complex medical, ethical, regulatory, legal and social challenges remain.

Roadmap for research on maternal and perinatal health in the context of epidemic threats

The WHO Roadmap for research on maternal and perinatal health in the context of epidemic threats provides a comprehensive strategy to address the unique challenges pregnant and lactating women and infants face during epidemics. The Roadmap seeks to fill gaps in what is known through research, the sharing of findings, and by delivering actionable solutions to improve outcomes for pregnant and lactating women and their infants during health emergencies.

The Roadmap is grounded in a vision of a world where every pregnant and lactating woman and her infant(s), no matter where they live or their economic situation, receive the highest standard of care during and after pregnancy – even in the most challenging of times.

The development of the Roadmap followed a rigorous and systematic process, starting with a comprehensive landscape and gaps analysis and multiple consultative meetings. It calls on a wide range of stakeholders – including researchers, policy-makers, health workers, international organizations and community advocates – to join forces in four action areas: coordination, advocacy, research capacity, and evidence use.