As new diseases emerge and old ones resurge, pandemic preparedness has become a critical concern for global health. The new Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) report – The changing face of pandemic risk: Adapt – Protect – Connect – outlines essential strategies to build resilience against future outbreaks by adapting to changing risks, protecting communities and strengthening cross-sector connections. With proactive measures, societies can better prevent, detect and respond to pandemics, safeguarding public health and socioeconomic stability.
In the wake of COVID-19, pandemic preparedness is an urgent priority for governments, health agencies and international organizations worldwide. New diseases, such as mpox and Marburg virus, along with re-emerging threats like avian influenza H5N1, underscore the importance of a robust global strategy. Strengthening pandemic preparedness is essential to mitigate the impacts of future health crises and to safeguard public health, economic stability and social cohesion. At the heart of effective pandemic preparedness is a threefold approach: adapting, protecting and connecting.
First, adapting pandemic plans to reflect evolving risks – such as increased travel, urbanization and climate change – is critical. Agricultural and farming practices that increase zoonotic transmission facilitate the emergence of new pathogens. Factors like the global movement of people and animals, misinformation and mistrust in government and institutions are making all countries more vulnerable to pandemics. The GPMB calls on governments and organizations to recognize these pandemic drivers and integrate them into preparedness strategies that respond and evolve with emerging threats.
Second, protecting populations means reinforcing public health systems, enhancing primary care and expanding social protections, particularly for vulnerable populations to reduce inequity. Investing in primary health care and social support systems is essential to shield communities from both the health and socioeconomic impacts of pandemics. Likewise, improved communication in a digitalized world is necessary to build public trust in government and health authorities, as infodemics, misinformation and distrust can severely hinder response efforts.
Finally, connecting across sectors and borders is essential to manage pandemics effectively. Health agencies, policymakers, businesses and researchers must work together, sharing knowledge, resources and insights. International collaboration strengthens surveillance systems, ensuring early detection and rapid response to emerging threats. Moreover, connecting research and policy efforts facilitates coordinated responses and the efficient distribution of medical supplies, vaccines and treatments where they are most needed.
Pandemic preparedness is also an investment in global stability and prosperity. COVID-19 demonstrated the sweeping economic repercussions of pandemics, impacting everything from workforce productivity to international trade. For donors, investing in preparedness translates to economic resilience, as well as long-term protection of communities and health systems.
As health risks evolve, so must our approaches. By focusing on adapting to risks, protecting communities and building stronger connections, governments, technical partners and donors can create a safer, more resilient world. Pandemic preparedness is not only a health imperative; it is a moral and economic necessity that requires collaboration and commitment across all sectors.
