The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) warns pandemic risk is outpacing a decade of investment, as infectious disease outbreaks become more frequent and damaging.
A new report, released on May 18 at the 79th World Health Assembly, finds the world is not safer from pandemics despite improvements in some areas. Efforts are offset by rising geopolitical fragmentation, ecological disruption, and falling development assistance.
Progress on equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics is moving backwards. Mpox vaccines reached low-income countries nearly two years after the outbreak began-slower than the 17 months for COVID-19 vaccines.
The report highlights AI's potential for monitoring pandemic threats but warns that without governance, digital technologies could widen access gaps.
The GPMB urges political leaders to establish a permanent monitoring mechanism, finalize the WHO Pandemic Agreement, and secure robust financing for preparedness and response.