Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) R&D Blueprint for Epidemics released the 2024 priority pathogen list. Over 200 scientists around the world evaluated the evidences of transmissions, virulences of 1 652 pathogens and the availability of medical countermeasures in two years. Finally, 33 pathogens that could potentially cause the next pandemic were included in the priority pathogen list. This list introduces the scientific framework of "family-priority pathogen-prototype pathogen", emphasizing the importance of studying entire pathogen family rather than specific pathogen. The list can be used to guide and coordinate the research and development of medical countermeasures, including vaccine, blood product, antibody, antimicrobial or antiviral drug, diagnostic test, and personal protective equipment, thereby improving the global rapid response to unknown infectious disease threats. This article summarizes the scientific background and main contents of the WHO priority pathogen list and the enlightenment for pandemic preparedness in the development of medical countermeasures in China to provide reference for the disease prevention and control in China.