The world is “dangerously unprepared” for future pandemics, according to the Red Cross, which is calling on countries to update their plans this year.
Key points:
- An expert says the next pandemic “could be just around the corner”
- The Red Cross recommends global health finance increases by at least $21 billion per year
- COVID-19 continues to be deemed a public health emergency of international concern
In its World Disasters Report 2022, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said “all countries remain dangerously unprepared for future outbreaks” despite COVID-19.
“The next pandemic could be just around the corner,” IFRC secretary-general Jagan Chapagain said.
“If the experience of COVID-19 won’t quicken our steps toward preparedness, what will?
“There will be no excuse for a continued lack of preparedness after having gone through three terrible years.”
The report said countries should review their legislation to ensure it is in line with their pandemic preparedness plans by the end of 2023.
It recommended adopting a new treaty and revising international health regulations by next year, which would invest more in the readiness of local communities.
It also recommends that countries increase domestic health finance by 1 per cent of gross domestic product and global health finance by at least $21 billion per year.
Mr Chapagain said it would be a “good investment to make”.
“The important thing is there has to be a political will to commit to that,” he said.
“If it is there, it’s possible.”
Health emergency alert remains for COVID-19
Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to be a a public health emergency of international concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The pandemic is likely in a “transition point” that continues to need careful management to “mitigate the potential negative consequences”, the agency said on Monday.
It is three years since the WHO first declared that COVID represented a global health emergency.
More than 6.8 million people have died during the outbreak.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said he hoped to see an end to the emergency this year, particularly if access to vaccines and treatments can be improved globally.
“We remain hopeful that in the coming year, the world will transition to a new phase in which we reduce [COVID] hospitalisations and deaths to their lowest possible level,” he said.
Reuters