New Report Highlights Global Pandemic Vulnerabilities and Urges Increased Preparedness

GENEVA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning about emerging risks that are heightening the global pandemic threat, as detailed in a new report from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB). According to Emirates News Agency, the GPMB report, supported by both the WHO and the World Bank, has identified a series of new health threats that are increasing the world's susceptibility to pandemics. The report, released today, highlights recent outbreaks such as the Marburg virus, Mpox, and a new strain of avian influenza H5N1, which collectively underscore the continuing vulnerability and the pressing need for robust global preparedness measures. The GPMB's findings show that in 2024 alone, there have been 17 significant outbreaks of dangerous diseases. These outbreaks reveal critical weaknesses in the current global framework for pandemic prevention and response. The report emphasizes that these risks are compounded by a variety of factors including lack of trust between and withi n countries, inequities in health access, intensive farming practices, and increased interactions between humans and animals which may lead to disease spillovers. Furthermore, the report suggests that a major overhaul of the global approach to pandemic preparedness is essential. It calls for a comprehensive understanding of global vulnerabilities and advocates for a unified, flexible response mechanism that can adapt to new threats as they arise. The GPMB stresses the importance of proactive measures to protect societies and enhance collaboration between nations to build resilient health systems. In its conclusion, the report urges all nations to strengthen their healthcare infrastructures, prioritize social protection, and ensure that essential health services reach all segments of the population, especially those who are most vulnerable.