Efforts to respond to monkeypox outbreak in Africa. UN chief: world woefully unprepared for next pandemic Health
While the COVID-19 crisis has passed, a harsh lesson remains: the world is woefully unprepared for the next pandemic, according to the UN Secretary-General’s message on the occasion of International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, which is marked on 27 December.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call for the world. It has killed millions, devastated economies, overwhelmed health systems and upended daily life for everyone,” António Guterres said.
He cited outbreaks of monkeypox, cholera, polio and Marburg virus disease as chilling reminders that infectious diseases remain a real threat to every country.
The UN chief urged countries to learn from past health emergencies to better prepare for future ones. This means building resilient public health and primary health care systems, he said, and delivering on the promise of universal health coverage. It also means investing heavily in monitoring, detecting and responding to pandemics, and ensuring equal access to life-saving tools like vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.
“But above all, it means global solidarity. I call on countries to implement the historic Agreement on Combating Pandemics to ensure that the world works more effectively together to prevent and contain future pandemics,” Guterres said.
“Today, like every day, let us commit to working together to create a safer and healthier world for everyone, everywhere,” the UN chief said.