How do we prepare for the next pandemic?

BPRC participated in the international CEPI meeting on preparing for future pandemics. Global collaboration, scientific expertise and research infrastructure are essential for the rapid development of vaccines and medical countermeasures. As part of the CEPI network, BPRC contributes to better preparedness for future health threats.

BPRC participated in the international CEPI meeting on preparing for future pandemics. Global collaboration, scientific expertise and research infrastructure are essential for the rapid development of vaccines and other medical countermeasures.

How can we ensure the world is better prepared for future outbreaks of infectious diseases? That question was at the heart of the CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) meeting in South Africa. Representing BPRC were Deputy Director and Professor Jan Langermans and infectious disease researcher Kinga Csanyi.

The meeting brought together researchers, policymakers and partners from around the world to discuss how knowledge, expertise, research infrastructure and international collaboration can accelerate the development of vaccines and other medical countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases.

"Addressing emerging infectious diseases requires international collaboration," says Jan Langermans. "By connecting knowledge, expertise and research infrastructure worldwide, we can respond more rapidly when new health threats emerge."

BPRC is part of CEPI's international network of Preclinical Model Labs. Within this network, specialised research centres work together to develop and evaluate vaccines and other medical interventions against emerging infectious diseases.

CEPI invests globally in research, innovation and collaboration to accelerate the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases. Its goal is ambitious: to make a vaccine available within 100 days of identifying a new pandemic threat. To achieve this, CEPI works with specialised research centres around the world, including BPRC.

As part of this network, BPRC contributes expertise in infectious diseases, vaccine development and preclinical evaluation.

Thanks to its specialised research facilities and many years of experience, BPRC provides the knowledge and infrastructure needed to respond rapidly to future health threats.

Preparing for emerging infectious diseases does not begin during a crisis, but years before one occurs. It requires sustained investment in scientific expertise, research infrastructure and international collaboration. BPRC's participation in the CEPI network highlights its international role in developing medical countermeasures against future epidemics, pandemics and other global health threats.