Preventing pandemics through everyday health systems

Covid-19 was not a one-off. The incidence of infectious disease outbreaks with epidemic potential is increasing as factors like globalisation, deforestation, land use and climate change, impact the interactions between humans and animals in their shared environment.

These drivers of emerging infections frequently cross over with the drivers for endemic and neglected tropical diseases, with the responses to these new diseases also implemented in the same health systems that have been established for everyday health needs.

This month, Japan hosts the G7 in Hiroshima and will follow up on the 2021 G7 Pact for Pandemic Readiness. This pact outlines the need for a One Health approach to pandemic preparedness, with timely access to surveillance data from multiple sectors and sources. It also recognises that this needs to be alongside well-trained staff who can raise alarm bells early and followed by a well-equipped and fully trained health workforce who are able to respond rapidly.