WHO warns of ‘global vulnerability’ to pandemics

The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) has warned of an urgent need to understand “global vulnerability to the threat of emerging pandemics,” while calling for a “radical rethink of the collective approach to preparedness” for these types of events.

The GPMB is an initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank that monitors factors contributing to pandemic risk and monitors global preparedness.

He has now presented this report at the 15th World Health Summit held in Berlin. The document describes 15 key pandemic risk factors, divided into five different groups: social, technological, environmental, economic and political.

In this new report, he recalls recent outbreaks of Marburg virus, smallpox and the newest strain of avian influenza (H5N1), “a stark reminder of the world’s vulnerability to pandemics.” Thus, in 2024 there have already been 17 outbreaks of dangerous diseases. “Each new outbreak exposes shortcomings in the current pandemic prevention architecture and global preparedness to respond to disease outbreaks,” he adds.

For all these reasons, the GPMB warns of “many risks that increase the likelihood of new pandemics.” Moreover, he insists that “lack of trust between and within countries, inequality, intensive livestock farming and the possibility of human-animal interbreeding” are among the main threats.

The document also identifies new risks beyond traditional health factors. Digital connectivity has enabled scientists to quickly sequence and share data on pathogens and tailor responses even faster. However, he notes that this digital footprint leaves healthcare systems and society unprotected.

“Cyber ​​attacks, rising biosecurity threats and the rapid spread of misinformation are increasing the risk of a pandemic,” they say.

“The next pandemic will not wait”

“The next pandemic will not wait until we improve our systems. We must invest now in sustainable and equitable primary health care systems to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said GPMB co-chair and former Botswana Health Minister Joy Pumafi.

The report identifies the complex and interdependent factors that shape the risk of pandemics. However, it also emphasizes that a willingness to provide flexibility in response, proactively protect communities and invest in collaborative efforts “can significantly reduce risk and improve preparedness.”

To protect themselves effectively, it ensures that all countries must “strengthen their health systems, prioritize social protection and ensure that essential health services are accessible to all communities, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.” “GDP by itself is not a measure of resilience in the face of a pandemic,” the text adds.

Therefore, it states that training should include strategies that address the interactions of human, animal and environmental health. The report calls for greater collaboration between sectors to mitigate the risks associated with pandemics, recognizing that the health of one sector is closely linked to the health of others.

“We have a window of opportunity to rethink global preparedness: to assess risks that go well beyond the health sector and address some of them in a much more proactive way and adapt to each context,” said CGPM Co-President and former Croatian President His Excellency Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic .

“Vigilance, adaptability and cooperation must now guide our preparedness to be incorporated into the response,” he added.

Increased investment and research

The report provides a framework for policymakers to adapt existing health strategies and improve protections against future pandemics. This includes ensuring that prevention and response plans are reviewed regularly and are flexible enough to respond to all situations.

“The next pandemic will not follow the same path as Covid-19; lessons learned from this experience should guide, but not determine, preparations,” the document clarifies.

Thus, it argues that resilience to future health emergencies depends on investment in research and development, improved technology, equitable health infrastructure, and a better understanding of the dynamic nature of all pandemic risk factors.

“In today’s interconnected world, the global community must take collective responsibility for preventing and responding to disease, rather than viewing preparedness as an individual activity for each country or sector,” the document concludes.