WHO, at least 17 dangerous epidemics in 2024

In its latest report, the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 17 instances of dangerous disease outbreaks worldwide in 2024. Of particular concern are those caused by the Marburg virus, monkeypox (Mpox), and the latest avian influenza strain. The report, published at the World Health Summit in Berlin, calls for a collective approach and outlines 15 key pandemic risk factors, classified into five groups: social, technological, environmental, economic, and political. Among the primary threats identified are the lack of trust between and within countries, inequality, intensive agriculture, and the possibility of transmission between humans and animals. Joy Phumaphi, co-chair of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, stressed the need to allocate resources for developing resilient health systems to mitigate the risk of new epidemiological waves. To this end, it is crucial to provide basic health services for all, especially those belonging to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.