Accelerating research, development and access to paediatric medicines: Global accelerator for paediatric formulations (GAP-f) progress report 2022-2024

The Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations (GAP-f) is a WHO-hosted network established to address critical gaps in the development, availability and access to age-appropriate medicines for children. This progress report reviews achievements, challenges and lessons learned during the implementation of GAP-f’s 2022–2024 strategic plan. Operating across the full product life cycle, the initiative aims to accelerate the prioritization, evaluation, development, regulatory approval and delivery of paediatric formulations through collaboration among governments, researchers, industry, civil society and international partners. The report describes activities organized under three strategic pillars: prioritizing and aligning global needs, accelerating innovation and access, and intervening to address unmet priorities.

The report highlights progress in identifying formulation priorities across multiple therapeutic areas, strengthening coordination through the paediatric drug optimization process, advancing innovative clinical trial platforms, developing tools to support product introduction, and promoting regulatory alignment and data-sharing initiatives. It also presents examples of work related to HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, childhood cancers, antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases. The report concludes by outlining priorities for the next strategic phase and emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration, investment and innovation to improve equitable access to safe, effective and child-friendly medicines worldwide.