Global Health Experts Warn Next Pandemic Could Be Worse Than COVID-19

The world isn't safer from pandemics, according to a new report by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, GPMB. The report, titled “A World on the Edge: Priorities for a Pandemic-Resilient Future”, was launched on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly. It paints a grim picture of a world facing increasingly frequent and destructive disease outbreaks. Global preparedness efforts continue to lag dangerously behind emerging threats.

And this warning isn't coming from just anyone. The GPMB is a team of global health experts who've been monitoring the world's preparedness for pandemics. They're led by Co-Chairs Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and Joy Phumaphi. Grabar-Kitarović is a former President of Croatia, while Phumaphi is a former Minister of Health in Botswana. They know what they're talking about, and they're sounding the alarm.

So, what's the problem? The report says that rising geopolitical tensions, ecological disruption, and rapid international travel have combined to create ideal conditions for future pandemics to spread faster. Shrinking development assistance has also contributed to this problem. The report notes that these factors will cause deeper health, economic, and social damage. It's not just about health - it's about the entire world's ability to function.

The Board reviewed major Public Health Emergencies of International Concern over the past decade, including Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox. They found that the world is moving backwards in critical areas. These areas include equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. For example, mpox vaccines reached many low-income countries almost two years after the outbreak began. This rollout was even slower than the delayed rollout of COVID-19 vaccines during the global pandemic.

“The world doesn't lack solutions,” said GPMB Co-Chair Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. “But without trust and equity, those solutions won't reach the people who need them most. Political leaders, industry, and civil society can still change the trajectory of global preparedness, if they turn their commitments into measurable progress before the next crisis strikes.”

The report also warns that growing global divisions could make future pandemics even more devastating. “If trust and cooperation continue to fracture, every country will be more exposed when the next pandemic strikes,” said GPMB Co-Chair Joy Phumaphi. “Preparedness isn't only a technical challenge, it's a test of political leadership.” The Board emphasizes that trust and cooperation are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases.

The Board identified three urgent priorities for governments worldwide. These include establishing an independent global mechanism to monitor pandemic risks. They also include guaranteeing equitable access to vaccines and treatments through the proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement. Securing sustainable financing for preparedness and emergency response is the third priority.

The report concluded that decisions currently being negotiated around the WHO Pandemic Agreement and a proposed United Nations declaration on pandemic preparedness could determine whether the world is better protected against future outbreaks. Alternatively, the world could be left dangerously exposed once again. The outcome depends on the actions taken by global leaders.

• The report was launched on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly.
• The GPMB is led by Co-Chairs Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and Joy Phumaphi.
• The report warns that the next pandemic could be worse than COVID-19.
• The world is moving backwards in critical areas such as equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.
• The report identifies three urgent priorities for governments worldwide.

The situation is serious, and it's not just about health. It's about the world's ability to function. The report is a wake-up call for governments and global leaders to take action. They must prepare for the next pandemic. It's not a matter of if, but when the next pandemic will strike.

In the meantime, the world waits with bated breath, hoping that the next pandemic won't be as devastating as COVID-19. But we can't afford to be unprepared. The consequences would be catastrophic. We don't have the luxury of time, and we can't delay taking action. The world needs to work together to prevent the next pandemic.