This document discusses WHO's plans for expanding global respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance. A pilot phase from 2016-2018 tested the feasibility of leveraging existing influenza surveillance networks. The pilot was successful and identified several key findings. The next phase from 2019-2021 will expand surveillance to more countries, focus on children under 2, include RSV typing and genetic sequencing, and estimate disease burden. The objectives of RSV genomic characterization are outlined. Issues around sequencing protocols, bioinformatics, and data sharing are discussed. The document argues expanded and systematic RSV strain surveillance is critical for vaccine development and monitoring effectiveness.