WHO chief sounds alarm on ‘Disease X’, calls for global pandemic treaty

By Horace Palacio: In a recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgent need for global preparedness against a potential new pandemic, referred to as ‘Disease X’. Speaking to an international audience, he urged countries to collaborate on a pandemic treaty to enhance readiness for this formidable health threat.

Disease X, as described by the WHO, represents a hypothetical, unknown pathogen that could lead to an international epidemic. The organization warns that such a disease could be 20 times more deadly than COVID-19, which has already claimed over seven million lives worldwide. Health officials at the meeting highlighted the grim possibility that Disease X could result in up to 50 million fatalities.

The focus on Disease X is part of the WHO’s strategy to encourage proactive measures and research in anticipation of unknown viral threats. The aim is to avoid the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic by being better prepared for future outbreaks.

In response to this potential threat, Tedros announced that WHO has initiated several measures. These include the establishment of a pandemic fund and the creation of a “technology transfer hub” in South Africa. This hub is designed to facilitate local vaccine production, addressing the issue of vaccine inequity between high and low-income countries.

Disease X was added to the WHO’s list of top-priority diseases in 2018, not as a specific virus, but as a placeholder for a future, unforeseen pathogen that could pose a significant global health risk. The concept underscores the importance of readiness and the need for robust healthcare infrastructures worldwide.

The call for a pandemic treaty is a step towards fostering international cooperation and resource sharing, ensuring that all countries, irrespective of their economic status, are equipped to tackle future pandemics effectively. This initiative highlights the necessity of global solidarity and preparedness in the face of uncertain health threats.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-601-0315.

© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.