MENA Newswire News Desk: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning about emerging global threats, highlighting that the risk of pandemics is growing. A report released today by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB), a joint initiative supported by WHO and the World Bank, emphasizes the severity of recent outbreaks including the Marburg virus, Mpox, and the latest strain of avian influenza (H5N1).
These outbreaks, the report states, are a reminder of how vulnerable the world remains to future pandemics. According to the report, in 2024 alone, 17 outbreaks of dangerous diseases have been recorded worldwide. Each new incident exposes gaps in the global pandemic preparedness infrastructure, raising concerns about the ability of nations to respond effectively to future health crises. The GPMB report calls for urgent action to address these vulnerabilities and strengthen global readiness.
The report identifies a range of risks that increase the likelihood of new pandemics. These include intensive farming practices, human-animal crossovers, and inequity in healthcare access. The lack of trust between and within countries is also flagged as a significant concern. The report stresses that global health security cannot be ensured unless there is a concerted effort to rebuild trust and cooperation between nations.
In addition to traditional health threats, the GPMB points out that external factors, such as environmental degradation and socio-political instability, also contribute to the pandemic risk landscape. The report urges global leaders to adopt a more flexible and proactive approach to health security by investing in collaborative efforts that promote public trust and strengthen healthcare systems.
The WHO report underscores that nations must prioritize the protection of their populations by ensuring the availability of essential health services, particularly for the most vulnerable. It suggests that all countries should focus on building robust health systems that can respond rapidly to outbreaks, while also investing in social protections to safeguard the public.
A critical recommendation from the GPMB is the need for a radical reset in the global approach to pandemic preparedness. Without immediate and coordinated global action, the world will continue to face significant risks from emerging health threats, the report concludes. The WHO and the World Bank will continue to support countries in addressing these challenges through the GPMB’s monitoring and advisory initiatives.