The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has cautioned that COVID-19 might be the first of potentially more severe pandemics referred to as ‘Disease X.’ This warning came during a discussion at the World Economic Forum titled “Preparing for Disease X” in Davos.
What is ‘Disease X’?
‘Disease X’ is an unknown disease that could lead to a widespread epidemic or pandemic, significantly impacting health infrastructure and mortality rates. Experts suggest it could likely be a zoonotic disease with an RNA virus, potentially causing more harm than COVID-19 due to the high infectiousness of RNA viruses.
The Need for a Global Approach
Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of a pandemic agreement to collectively address future health crises. He stressed that a shared response is crucial to preparing for the challenges posed by ‘Disease X’ and preventing a recurrence of problems faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deadline for Pandemic Agreement
The deadline for the pandemic agreement is set for the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024. Dr. Ghebreyesus urged the current generation, with firsthand pandemic experience, to take action for the benefit of future generations.
Overcoming National Interests
Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted the necessity of overcoming narrow national interests in the pandemic treaty negotiations. He emphasized building capacity in each country to effectively tackle global health challenges.
Expert Perspectives on ‘Disease X’
On the panel, Preetha Reddy, Vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, echoed the urgency of addressing ‘Disease X’ as a clear and present danger. She drew parallels with military preparedness, emphasizing that healthcare systems should approach the future with a similar sense of urgency.
WHO Initiatives for Future Pandemics
Dr. Ghebreyesus outlined various WHO initiatives to prepare for future pandemics. These include the World Bank’s pandemic fund, the Financial Intermediary Fund for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, and the mRNA technology transfer hub aimed at increasing vaccine production globally.
Collaborative Efforts for a Safer World
The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence is working on a research and development agenda, bridging the gap between universities and public health institutions. Additionally, the WHO BioHub System facilitates global sharing of viruses and pathogens to enhance preparedness in the post-pandemic phase.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the warning of ‘Disease X’ serves as a reminder to prepare for future outbreaks promptly. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic should be translated into substantial actions for the sake of current and future generations.