The Virus Hunt

As the world lifts its gaze from the COVID-19 pandemic and sets its sights on the future, Abbott knew they had an important story to tell. Scientists, leaders, and healthcare professionals around the globe were on the frontlines when SARS-CoV-2 hit, using what available resources they had to exhaustively document, track, and respond to each viral development. But it was a relentless battle against an elusive and constantly evolving enemy.

Drawing on its infectious disease heritage, Abbott saw an opportunity to bring together leading scientists, researchers and public health experts to create a first of its kind, industry-led global response network: the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition. Today, this groundbreaking global scientific network comprises 16 partners outside the US, dedicated to detecting and responding to viral threats before they escalate into pandemic events.

As the COVID-19 pandemic moved into an endemic phase, Abbott wanted to share the incredible stories of these Coalition scientists with the world, but they’d need a media partner with a unique passion for storytelling and unparalleled reach to bring it all together. With the help of CNN and Discovery, The Virus Hunt took flight.

Courageous Studios dispatched a team of journalists and filmmakers to the Amazon jungles of Colombia, the townships of South Africa, the dense urban sprawls of India, and research labs in the U.S. to create a kaleidoscopic portrait of the real people behind a worldwide mission. Each episode introduces us to a new expert, place, and personal story of the struggle to gain the upper hand against viral pathogens, so the series as a whole can interweave their disparate accounts to tell a timely, life-affirming story of what unites us in our common quest for survival.

This globe-trotting, science-driven series comprises four 5-10 minute documentary films presented in a content hub alongside articles, interactives, and video cutdowns. The whole campaign is promoted across social, digital, and linear channels to raise awareness of Abbott’s lifesaving work in pandemic prevention.