In a dire warning to nations worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned about the looming threat of a disease that could surpass the severity of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, delivered this stern message during his address at the World Health Assembly forum held in Geneva, Switzerland.
During his speech, Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the world cannot afford to overlook the potential for another public health crisis. He explicitly stated, “The threat of another variant emerging that causes new surges of disease and death remains.”
The WHO head further underscored the ongoing possibility of a new pathogen emerging with even deadlier potential.
It is noteworthy that in 2018, the WHO identified nine priority diseases that pose significant risks to public health due to their lack of effective treatments or their potential to cause a global pandemic. Dr. Ghebreyesus also expressed concerns that, despite moving past the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of a doomsday variant capable of resetting the world’s progress remains a distinct possibility.
To tackle this looming threat, Dr. Ghebreyesus unveiled a comprehensive global scheme aimed at detecting and monitoring the most dangerous pathogens.
He stressed the urgency, saying, “We cannot kick this can down the road. When the next pandemic comes knocking—and it will—we must be ready to respond resolutely, collaboratively, and equitably.”
In conclusion, the WHO’s warning serves as a crucial call to action for countries worldwide to prioritize preparedness and invest in strategies that can effectively address and mitigate the potential risks of future deadly diseases.