Ready2Respond, a public-private collaborating platform to address pandemic preparedness gaps in low- and middle-income countries - Phase 2 Funding

Following a 2019 meeting of global health leaders with expertise in influenza, vaccinology and pandemic preparedness in London hosted at the Wellcome Trust, Ready2Respond was formed as a global collaboration of partners committed to enhancing low- and middle-income countries' readiness to respond against influenza and respiratory pandemics. With a Secretariat hosted at The Task Force for Global Health, Ready2Respond identified challenges and actionable solutions to promote pandemic preparedness. Though initially based on influenza, the organization's plan now includes COVID-19. Under the oversight of a Management Secretariat, Expert Working Groups design and execute cross- collaborative projects organized in 3 strategic pillars: - Burden of Disease - Risk Communication and Community Engagement - Vaccine Access Ready2Respond seeks a grant from the Wellcome Trust of US$ 492,970. This grant will enable Ready2Respond to focus on two initial and critical projects identified in the Burden of Disease pillar. This grant will also allow for retention of paid Director, responsible for ensuring that identified projects represent discrete operational improvement activities for LMICs, and cover part-time staff. Finally, this grant will help secure communication activities aimed at raising awareness and funding from potential partners. This Phase 2 of funding will span September 2021 - February 2022.