Pandemic preparedness has become a global priority since COVID-19 and new diseases continue to emerge and old ones resurge; this continues to be a threat to public health and economic stability
The recent Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) report underscores the importance of proactive strategies to safeguard against future outbreaks. These strategies, adapt, protect, and connect, are the three components of building resilience against pandemics and are essential for both preventing and responding to health crises in a way that protects public health and socioeconomic stability.
Strengthening pandemic preparedness
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has seen how quickly health threats can spread, disrupting societies in numerous ways.
New diseases such as mpox and the Marburg virus, as well as the re-emergence of threats like avian influenza H5N1, highlight our ongoing risks. The consequences of pandemics can affect everything from public health systems to economic growth. This is why strengthening pandemic preparedness must be at the forefront of global health agendas.
The first essential strategy for pandemic preparedness is adapting to evolving risks.
Increased travel, urbanisation, and climate change can all contribute to the likelihood of new diseases emerging.
Global movements of people and animals, along with agricultural practices that facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases, are all key contributors to these risks.
Misinformation and mistrust in authorities further complicate efforts to prevent and control outbreaks. Governments and organisations need to recognise these growing risks and adapt their preparedness plans accordingly. By staying ahead of emerging threats and being flexible in their approach, countries can better mitigate the impact of future pandemics.
The second crucial aspect of pandemic preparedness is protecting communities. Public health systems need to be reinforced, especially in primary care and social protection systems, to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are shielded from the worst effects of a pandemic.
Strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure ensures better care in times of crisis and contributes to long-term health resilience. Social protection systems, including financial support for individuals and families during outbreaks, can help reduce the socioeconomic inequalities that often exacerbate the impacts of pandemics.
Building public trust through transparent communication is also key to protecting populations. Misinformation can spread rapidly, undermining efforts to control disease outbreaks. Governments and health authorities must invest in clear, trustworthy communication to build public confidence and ensure that people follow necessary health guidelines during emergencies.
The third strategy is connecting across sectors and borders. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of global collaboration in responding to a health crisis.
Health agencies, governments, businesses, and researchers must work together to manage pandemics effectively.
This includes sharing data, knowledge, and resources to strengthen surveillance systems that can detect emerging threats early on.
International cooperation also ensures a coordinated response to pandemics, from the development and distribution of vaccines to the equitable allocation of medical supplies. By building these cross-sector connections, nations can respond faster and more effectively when new health threats arise, ensuring that resources reach the areas and populations that need them most.
Being better equipped for future pandemics
Investing in pandemic preparedness is an investment in long-term global stability. COVID-19’s economic impact showed how widespread and disruptive pandemics can be, affecting everything from global trade to workforce productivity.
Donors and governments who invest in pandemic preparedness contribute to a more resilient global economy, reducing the financial fallout from future health crises.
By investing in systems that can detect, respond to, and prevent pandemics, nations can create a buffer against the worst impacts of health emergencies, ultimately protecting health systems and economic and social stability.
As health risks continue to evolve, it is important to adapt, protect, and connect to ensure a coordinated, effective global response.
