As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of pandemics, the focus has shifted towards the preparedness of both scientific and political communities. Prof Salim Abdool Karim, a top advisor in South Africa, highlighted the advancements in scientific capabilities but emphasized the lack of political readiness. Despite the UN’s declaration of a public health emergency over mpox in the DRC, there is still a shortage of diagnostics and vaccines.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a surge in mpox cases, with a concerning new strain spreading across 14 countries. Prof Karim expressed concerns about richer nations hoarding supplies, hindering global efforts to combat the virus. While improvements have been made in readying supplies and healthcare facilities, primary prevention measures are being neglected, as seen in the H5N1 outbreak in US cattle.
Prof Sten Vermund of Yale School of Public Health highlighted the potential risks of flu viruses reassorting in humans. Despite the availability of vaccines, there is a lack of political pressure to protect farmworkers and prevent a potential pandemic. The need for global cooperation and proactive measures to address these challenges has never been more crucial.
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