WHO Chief Warns Next Pandemic Inevitable, Urges Global Preparedness

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has issued a stark warning that the next global pandemic is not just possible but inevitable, potentially arriving at any time. He emphasized the urgency for nations to prepare, highlighting that the lessons from COVID-19 should not be forgotten amid current geopolitical and economic crises. Dr. Tedros noted the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which officially killed 7 million people, with estimates suggesting the true toll may exceed 20 million, alongside a $10 trillion economic cost. He urged member states to finalize the WHO Pandemic Agreement, a legally binding instrument designed to enhance global readiness and response to future pandemics. This agreement aims to strengthen national sovereignty while promoting international cooperation in health security. Dr. Tedros reminded that health is a security issue and the world must be prepared for the next outbreak, which he described as an 'epidemiological certainty.'