Implementation research is crucial to strategies for prevention, preparedness and response in the face of public health outbreaks and emergencies. The succession of global public health emergencies the world has experienced in recent years is likely to continue, and epidemic threats remain inevitable, with potential for added reversal of public health gains, as witnessed with Ebola, Zika and COVID-19.

New and improved tools, approaches and interventions are required to detect and counteract emerging infectious disease threats and population vulnerabilities early. We support the generation of evidence that strengthens epidemic preparedness and the resilience of health systems to minimize the impact on existing programmes such as established vaccination measures. We also support research that informs equitable and inclusive health system responses to epidemics and outbreaks, which reach the most vulnerable populations and leave no one behind. This will strengthen health security for all.