The WHO Global Observatory on Health R&D is a comprehensive source of information and analyses on global health R&D activities for human diseases. The Observatory builds on existing data and reports from a wide range of data sources. It gathers new information with the aim to help identify health R&D priorities based on public health needs. The Observatory consolidates, monitors and analyzes relevant information on the health R&D needs of developing countries and support coordinated actions on health R&D. It helps governments, policy-makers, funders and researchers identify health R&D priorities based on needs and ensure that funds and resources are used to fill R&D gaps.