Geneva: The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva has warned of new emerging risks that are increasing the pandemic threat on a global scale.

In a report issued today on behalf of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB), the WHO pointed out that recent outbreaks of Marburg virus, Mpox and the latest strain of avian influenza (H5N1) are a stark reminder of the world’s vulnerability to pandemics.

In 2024 alone, 17 outbreaks of dangerous diseases have already occurred.

Each new outbreak exposes fault lines in the existing pandemic prevention architecture and global readiness to respond to disease outbreaks.

A plethora of risks increase the likelihood of new pandemics according to a new report from the GPMB. GPMB, an initiative supported by the WHO and the World Bank, tracks the drivers of pandemic risk and oversees global preparedness.

The report stresses the urgency of understanding the global vulnerability to threats and calls for a radical reset of the collective approach to pandemic prepared
ness.

Lack of trust between and within countries, inequity, intensive farming and the likelihood of human to animal crossover are among the key threats outlined in the report. The report also identifies new risks outside of the traditional health factors.

However, it also stresses that willingness to build flexibility into the response, proactively protect society and invest in collaborative efforts can significantly reduce risk and enhance preparedness.

‘To effectively protect themselves, all nations must strengthen their health systems, prioritise social protection, and ensure that essential health services are available to all communities, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged,’ added the report.

Source: Emirates News Agency