Three years following the peak of COVID-19 fatalities, the world finds itself at a crossroads in pandemic preparedness. Despite initial vows to bolster the global public health infrastructure, the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) of the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank now describes our readiness as “fragile.” Political distractions and a false sense of security from declining COVID-19 death rates have led to dangerous complacency, leaving us vulnerable to future threats potentially more perilous than SARS-CoV-2.
This article is a summary. Please read the original article by Monica de Bolle & Maurice Obstfeld on the Peterson Institute for International Economics website, here
Early Promises and Diminishing Momentum
The aftermath of COVID-19 sparked significant initiatives, such as the establishment of a World Bank financial intermediary fund aimed at pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR). This fund, conceived under the Indonesian G20 presidency, attracted over $2 billion in commitments, indicating a strong initial push toward bolstering global public health. However, geopolitical tensions and economic concerns have since slowed progress, with crucial recommendations from various panels and experts remaining largely unimplemented.
The Lingering Threats
Despite a decline in COVID-19 deaths, the threat of long COVID and the emergence of new pathogens loom large. The rapid creation and deployment of vaccines during the pandemic were a testament to scientific and governmental collaboration. Yet, the ease with which SARS-CoV-2 was targeted might not be replicated with future pathogens, which could be more transmissible, lethal, and difficult to counteract.
The Rise of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
A looming crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) exacerbates the situation. The widespread use of antibiotics, such as azithromycin, especially in countries like China, has led to the emergence of “superbugs” resistant to current treatments. This resistance threatens to undo decades of progress in combating infectious diseases, with natural environments’ destruction further limiting our ability to discover new antimicrobials.
Global Action Is Imperative
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening WHO’s outbreak detection and response capabilities, coordinating international support for vaccine and drug development, and ensuring equitable access to treatments. Moreover, it necessitates a concerted effort to bolster national health systems, particularly in lower-income countries, and a global consensus on pandemic preparedness strategies.
As we approach the World Health Assembly meeting in May 2024, where a new convention on pandemic prevention and preparedness will be considered, the urgency for global cooperation has never been clearer. The GPMB’s warning just before the COVID-19 outbreak—that the world was unprepared for a fast-moving respiratory pathogen pandemic—remains a stark reminder of the risks of inaction.
The world stands at a critical juncture in its approach to pandemic preparedness. With new threats on the horizon and the shadow of COVID-19 still lingering, the need for robust global public health infrastructure and international collaboration has never been more apparent. As we move forward, we must learn from past mistakes and galvanize action to safeguard our collective future against the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.