A new global pandemic is imminent: are we ready?

Are we about to face a new global pandemic?

Yuen Kwok-yung, a Hong Kong microbiologist and physician recognized for his decisive role during the Covid-19 pandemic, recently warned of the possibility of a new, imminent pandemic.. According to him, the rapid mutations of viruses and the impact of climate change significantly increase this risk. Yuen Kwok-yung emphasizes the urgency for leaders to take proactive steps to minimize the impact of this potential health crisis.

In an interview he said: The public and leaders must acknowledge that a new epidemic will occur, perhaps sooner than we think “. This assertion is based on observations made over the past decades, where the SARS and Covid-19 epidemics have shown how vulnerable our globalized world is.

Aggravating factors

Experts point out that several factors could worsen the impact of a new pandemic. Climate change plays a major role in these. Indeed, global warming alters natural habitats and facilitates the spread of infectious diseases. For example, in tropical regions, where diseases such as malaria or dengue fever are already prone to spread, cases may increase due to the expansion of the range of mosquito vectors..

In addition, rapid geopolitical and economic changes contribute to global instability, making the international coordination needed to effectively combat an epidemic more difficult. Increasing urbanization and the destruction of natural habitats increase the contact between humans and wild animals, which favors the emergence of new zoonotic diseases.

Lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 outbreak highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid response to a pandemic. During this crisis, measures such as social distancing, lockdowns and the rapid development of vaccines are critical to controlling the spread of the virus. However, significant gaps were revealed, particularly in communication and information management.

Yuen Kwak-yung emphasizes the importance of learning from this experience to improve our future preparation. It recommends the creation of international alliances for epidemiological research and information sharing. In 2023, he co-founded the Epidemic Research Alliance, bringing together experts from mainland China and the US to better understand and anticipate future threats.