The World Health Organization Urges Global Improvement in Readiness for Future Pandemics

"In his year-end video address, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized the significant progress made in combating major health challenges in the past year but highlighted the 'immense suffering that could have been avoided.' Bringing an end to three years of 'crisis, suffering, and loss' related to Covid in 2023, Tedros urged global readiness for future pandemics.

Expressing that 2024 presents a unique opportunity to address gaps in pandemic preparedness, he called for an 'extraordinary' international agreement to enhance collaboration, cooperation, and equity. Highlighting ongoing negotiations for the world's first global agreement on pandemic threats, Tedros emphasized that the proposed pandemic agreement aims to fill critical voids in global response.

Tedros, who lifted the highest level of alert on the Covid-19 pandemic in May, stressed the need for sustained efforts. The WHO also removed a similar alert for mpox (commonly known as monkeypox) in May 2023, while approving new vaccines for malaria, dengue, and meningitis. Additionally, Azerbaijan, Belize, and Tajikistan achieved malaria-free status.

Addressing a 'particularly concerning' resurgence of cholera with over 40 epidemic outbreaks globally, Tedros highlighted the need for attention. He also acknowledged the significance of climate change's impact on health during the recent COP (Conference of the Parties) and welcomed the attention given to this issue."