The New Leading Infectious Disease: COVID-19 No Longer Top of the List

In response to the escalating threat of infectious diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of developing global strategies for preparing and preventing epidemics and pandemics. With the number of high-threat infectious hazards on the rise, including both re-emerging and newly emerging diseases, the need for proactive measures to counter these health crises has become more critical than ever. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases such as meningococcal disease, yellow fever, and cholera have demonstrated devastating impacts on regions with limited health infrastructure and resources, where timely detection and response can be challenging.

As part of its efforts, WHO collaborates with partners from diverse technical, scientific, and social fields to mobilize global resources and expertise in developing and implementing strategies to prevent and control epidemic-prone diseases. The organization’s flagship global strategies encompass initiatives like the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics strategy 2017-2026, Ending Cholera: a Global Roadmap to 2030, the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, and the Global Strategy for Influenza 2018-2030. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing preparedness, response, and control measures to mitigate the impact of potential outbreaks and pandemics. Furthermore, WHO serves as the secretariat for the governance of global emergency stockpiles, overseeing the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision. This body is responsible for managing and coordinating the provision of emergency vaccine supplies and antibiotics to countries during major outbreaks, ensuring timely and effective responses to health emergencies on a global scale.
We Have To Work Together