Bird Flu and Mpox: A Missed Opportunity for Pandemic Preparedness

Bird Flu and Mpox: Major Public Health Concerns

Since the Covid-19 emergency was declared over, the US is experiencing one of the largest bird flu outbreaks in its history. The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global health emergency due to its rapid spread in central Africa, emphasizing a concerning cycle of unaddressed epidemic threats.

Current Challenges in Response Coordination

Experts, including Scott Gottlieb, criticize the slow coordination among health authorities in tackling the avian flu outbreak affecting cattle herds and dairy workers across numerous states. Additionally, the WHO's lag in approving mpox vaccines raises alarms over pandemic readiness.

• Bird flu risk to human health currently remains low.
• Mpox spreads through close contact, which limits its contagion capability.
• Public health responses, including testing and vaccinations, are critically delayed.

Global Preparedness and Future Threats

International negotiations for the pandemic preparedness treaty are stalled, expected to finalize by 2025, while the urgency to combat potential outbreaks is ever-growing. Climate change exacerbates crossover risks from animals to humans, necessitating a quicker global response.

In Thailand, a rapid mobilization against mpox demonstrates an effective approach, contrasting with patchier responses in other regions. Access to vaccines remains inequitable, reinforcing the need for global solidarity in health initiatives.

The Future of Vaccine Development

Advancements in mRNA vaccine technology offer promising avenues for pandemic preparedness, bolstered by new funding initiatives. The focus must now shift toward expanding global manufacturing capabilities and directing resources to vulnerable regions.

As Richard Hatchett asserts, the neglect of infectious disease preparedness is unsustainable, advocating for prioritization to avert future crises. Ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare resources and rapid response mechanisms will be critical in facing upcoming public health challenges.