The ‘World At Risk’ report by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) has cited a growing possibility of a global pandemic. The global community is inadequately prepared to combat such a situation, the report suggests. Released by 15 influential global scientists and public health leaders including Dr K Vijay Raghavan, India’s principal scientific advisor, this document was co-convened by the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO). A vast spread of 1,483 epidemics were tracked by WHO across 172 nations from 2011 to 2018.
Rising Epidemic Prone Diseases
Diseases like influenza, Ebola, Zika, plague, yellow fever, etc. are being identified as harbingers of a future where high-impact, fast-spreading outbreaks are common occurrences. These diseases, increasingly hard to manage, have been more frequently detected.
Underlying Reasons
Several factors contribute to the increasing frequency of these outbreaks, including population growth, urbanisation, a globally integrated economy, faster and more widespread travel, conflict, migration, and climate change.
Potential Impact of a Pandemic
A pandemic analogous to the 1918 Spanish Flu could result in the death of 80 million people worldwide, and could cause a near 5% plummet in the global economy. Such a scenario would devastate health systems, with low-resource communities bearing the brunt of the impact.
India’s Vulnerability
Though India has adeptly managed threats from Nipah and zoonotic influenza viruses, it is still highly susceptible to a catastrophic pandemic. As the threat of a devastating pandemic hangs over the globe, India remains in a precarious position.
Suggested Preparations & Measures
The report advises several measures to better equip nations against such health crises. These include strengthening funding mechanisms, fostering continuous monitoring, and promoting information sharing among intergovernmental organisations, donors, and multilateral institutions.
Improved Role of Financial Institutions
Financial organisations such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank are advised to integrate preparedness into their strategies. These include replenishments, national and international financial risk assessments, incentive systems, and funding structures.
Fostering Country Preparedness
Countries can increase their preparedness by raising funding, intensifying research into new technologies, creating vaccines and medicines, setting up rapid communication systems, and launching coordinated responses involving the government, industry, and communities. Adherence to international commitments is also crucial.
Investment in Health Systems
A capable health system is vital for prevention, effective surveillance, early detection, containment, and appropriate management of any cases. It must be supported by a large, skilled health workforce with public health expertise, ample healthcare infrastructure, and robust health information systems for early alerts.
Fact Check
| Epidemic | Countries Affected | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | 172 | 2011-2018 |
| Ebola | 172 | 2011-2018 |
| Zika | 172 | 2011-2018 |
About Global Preparedness Monitoring Board
Created in reaction to the UN Secretary General’s Global Health Crises Task Force’s recommendations in 2017, the GPMB was launched formally in May 2018. It is an independent body ensuring global health crises readiness, co-convened by the World Health Organization and the World Bank Group. The GPMB secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024