the health strategist
institute for strategic health transformation
& digital technology
Joaquim Cardoso MSc.
Chief Research and Strategy Officer (CRSO),
Chief Editor and Senior Advisor
November 28, 2023
One page summary
What is the message?
The world faces an ongoing and evolving threat from infectious diseases, as exemplified by the re-emergence of deadly pathogens such as HIV, Ebola, and COVID-19.
The complacency that followed past victories over microbes has proven dangerous, with more than 1,500 new pathogens identified since 1970, 70% originating from animals.
The imperative is clear: the global community must proactively manage epidemics, addressing challenges across medical, technological, social, and political dimensions.
What are the key points?
Continuous Threat:
The 21st century has witnessed a surge in infectious threats, from the 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa to the 2019 emergence of COVID-19. Diseases like SARS and H1N1 highlight the unpredictability and potential severity of these outbreaks.
Global Collaboration:
Efforts such as the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework and the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator showcase collaborative responses involving Member States, industry, and organizations like WHO, aiming to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to crucial tools for pandemic preparedness.
Known Epidemics Persist:
Despite control programs for diseases like cholera, HIV, and influenza, challenges like rapid evolution and limited access to countermeasures persist. Global inequities, production constraints, and weak healthcare systems contribute to the persistence of these threats.
Health System Vulnerability:
Epidemics strain health systems, diverting attention, resources, and personnel. The focus on emergencies often leads to the neglect of essential health services, contributing to increased mortality rates for non-epidemic-related diseases.
Long-Term Resilience:
To address the enduring impact of epidemics, there is a critical need for sustained investment in strengthening health systems. This includes appropriate financing, a well-trained workforce equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), access to essential medical products, and a robust business continuity plan.
Statistics
- Since 1970, over 1,500 new pathogens have been discovered, with 70% originating from animals.
- HIV has infected approximately 70 million people and caused an estimated 35 million deaths in 35 years.
- The 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic affected three African countries and spread to six other countries in three continents.
- COVID-19, emerging in late 2019, infected nearly 200 million people and caused over 4 million deaths in the first 18 months.
Examples
- In 2017, Madagascar experienced a major outbreak of plague, resulting in at least 2,417 cases and 209 deaths.
- The 2003 SARS outbreak affected over 8,000 people, causing fear, panic, and economic damage.
- The 2015 Zika virus epidemic in Brazil led to a wave of microcephaly in unborn babies, impacting almost 70 countries.
Conclusion
The fight against infectious diseases demands a comprehensive, collaborative, and sustained approach.
As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the lessons learned underscore the necessity for proactive measures, global cooperation, and fortified health systems.
It is imperative to view epidemics not just as crises to be managed but as a call to fortify our global health infrastructure for a resilient future.
DEEP DIVE
This summary was written based on the article “Managing epidemics: key facts about major deadly diseases, 2nd edition” published by The World Health Organization (WHO) on November 14, 2023.
To read the original publication, access https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240083196
