Ready2Respond, a public-private collaborating platform to address pandemic preparedness gaps in lower income countries

Early 2019, a group of global health leaders with expertise in influenza, vaccinology and pandemic preparedness convened in London, for a Wellcome Trust-supported "Shaping Meeting to explore the value of a coordinated work plan for epidemic and pandemic influenza vaccine preparedness." Ready2Respond was formed as a global collaboration of partners committed to enhancing lower income countries' readiness to respond against influenza and respiratory viral pandemics. With a Secretariat established at The Task Force for Global Health, Ready2Respond identified challenges and actionable solutions to promote pandemic preparedness. Though initially based on influenza preparedness, these priorities now include COVID-19. Three Expert Working Groups will design and execute cross-collaborative projects within three strategic priorities. Burden of Disease Risk Communication and Community Engagement Vaccine Access Ready2Respond seeks an initial grant from the Wellcome Trust of US$ $196,650. This initial grant will allow to: retain a Director, tasked with developing a comprehensive action plan with potential projects to start in 2021. execute a mapping study of organizations and agencies working on global seasonal and/or pandemic vaccine preparedness to ensure the relevance of Ready2Respond's mission and activities in the preparedness ecosystem. support communication activities to secure funds for identified projects from potential partner organizations.