WHO fails to prevent pandemics: 17 new outbreaks recorded

Just this year the world was faced with 17 epidemic outbreaks from dangerous diseases and each of them exposed the failures of current plans to prevent pandemics, according to independent expert body designed to ensure the world is prepared for the next global health emergency.

The group, an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), presented its latest report at the World Health Summit in Berlin after the emergence of MPox outbreaks in recent months (formerly monkeypox), the H5N1 strain of avian influenza and, more recently, the Marburg virus.

In its findings, it points out that the next pandemic “will not follow the same path as Covid-19”, so the lessons that could be learned from this period of global health emergency should help “but not defined”

country preparation plans.

These plans, at both the preparation and response levels, must be reviewed regularly and be flexible enough to respond to all situations.

Besides, advisory group warns that there is an urgent need to understand that the world is vulnerable to many health threats and that issues such as lack of trust between and within countries, economic inequality and intensive agriculture are some of the major threats.

The report also identifies new risks that go beyond traditional health factors, with the most surprising one related to digital connectivity.

Experts have found that this progress allows pathogens that, for example, cause epidemic outbreaks, to be transmitted between various research centers and are quickly sequenced to determine whether they represent changes that make them more dangerous.

However, they note that this also implies the creation of “fingerprint» exposing healthcare systems to possible cyberattacks, biosecurity risks, or the rapid spread of misinformation, increasing the likelihood of a new pandemic.

Among the recommendations given to governments is, first of all, to immediately invest in primary health care systems making them sustainable and more accessible to everyone, and addressing where human, animal and environmental health intersect.

Disease outbreaks

In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded a total of 17 disease outbreaks worldwide (epidemics)which exposed shortcomings in pandemic prevention and response plans. These outbreaks are a pressing reminder of global vulnerability to new health threats. Below we describe some of the most notable outbreaks and the problems they present. MPox, continues its course with dozens of infections around the world, although especially in Africa. Also on January 11, surrounding vaccine-derived polioviruses were detected; new influenza virus variants in February; bird flu; coronavirus that causes respiratory syndrome in the Middle East; yellow fever, rabies or hepatitis E in Chad.

And a lack of trust between countries and inequalities in health systems have been identified as factors exacerbating the current situation. Report Global Preparedness Monitoring Board suggests that many countries are unprepared to deal with new threats that could lead to a cycle of ongoing health emergencies.