SINGAPORE – To avert a repeat of the impact of Covid-19, the world needs to start preparing for the next pandemic now. This is even amid the backdrop of a difficult global environment, with issues such as inflation and the Ukraine crisis competing for attention, says an expert.
In an interview with The Straits Times on the sidelines of the 7th World One Health Congress on Friday, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Covid-19 technical lead, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, said countries need to leverage the trauma of Covid-19 right now to gear up for the next threat.
“We have to use that horrible situation to build something better. If we don’t do it now, we won’t do it. We will just go from the next, to the next, to the next, and then be surprised and say, why didn’t we use that opportunity?” said the American epidemiologist.
World needs to start preparing for next pandemic now: Top WHO official | The Straits Times
World needs to start preparing for next pandemic now: Top WHO official | The Straits Times