Next pandemic coming, be prepared, WHO tells countries

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that another pandemic will occur, urging governments to strengthen preparedness and conclude negotiations on a global pathogen-sharing framework.

Speaking at a high-level meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “The next pandemic is a matter of when, not if.” WHO said the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo underscored the continuing threat posed by infectious diseases.

According to Tribune, Tedros said COVID-19 caused more than 20 million excess deaths and cost the global economy over $10 trillion, while exposing weaknesses in global health security. He cited measures including the Pandemic Fund, COVAX and improved disease surveillance as steps taken since the pandemic.

However, he urged countries to conclude negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, warning that further delays could cost lives when another pandemic emerges. Tedros also said the WHO Pandemic Agreement and International Health Regulations do not undermine national sovereignty.