World leaders have become increasingly vocal about the inevitability of a “next pandemic” and the need for the world to be well prepared for it.
In Summary:
• World leaders voice their concerns about “The Next Pandemic”.
• Philanthropists and global figures highlight measures in place to be well prepared for “The Next pandemic”.
Years before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the global community, Microsoft co-founder come philanthropist Bill Gates had warned about the potential for a viral threat.
In his TED Talk titled “The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready,” he emphasized on the need for better health infrastructure, global co-operation and swift action in response to such threats. Today, his words seem prophetic.
World Leaders Concur.
“We need more money to plan for the second pandemic. There’s going to be another pandemic and we need to think ahead,” said American President Joe Bidden while speaking at a Whitehouse press briefing.
He seemed quite sure about another crisis sweeping the globe in the near future. Do they know something we dont? Or are they only looking out for their subjects.
Other leaders from all over the globe seem to agree with the concern for an incoming pandemic.
The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has been vical about the lack of preparation for the next pandemic. She has repeatedly advocated for strengthened health systems and global coosinated response to the same.
Narendra Modi, the current Indian Prime Minister had discussions with Gates about health initiatives. India being one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers globally, Modi has emphasized its role in vaccine distribution and the need for seamless access during future health crises.
On that note, pharmaceutical companies benefitted the most from the COVID-19 pandemic. Could there be a conflict on interest?
Preparation for “The next Pandemic”
The world leaders have highlighted key areas for improvement if the global community is to be prepared for “the next pandemic”.
Better Infastructure: Swift reaction to a “new pandemic” means having the infrastructure in place to develop, test and distribute vaccines in record time.
Global Surveillance: Monitoring and studying could influence early detection and can help contain an outbreak before becoming a global threat.
Coordinated Response: Global leaders need to work in unison; sharing information & resources.
Equitable Distribution: Ensuring that every nation, regardless of its economic or geographical standing, has access to essential health resources.
The global village is only just recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and there are already talks of another one on the way. Only God can help us! Rudi Nyumbani.
