The next pandemic is a matter of when, not if

Health · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As SARS-CoV-2 evolves into a routine threat alongside influenza, scientists warn that the emergence of new pathogens is the norm rather than the exception. To prepare for what comes next, we must move beyond reacting to specific viruses and instead build systems capable of responding to any unknown pathogen.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that pandemics are complex events with deep political dimensions. Beyond the immediate health crisis, these events cause widespread disruption to global economies, including interruptions to trade, supply chains, and travel, which can increase social inequality and strain international relations. Because of this, effective responses require coordination between health and political authorities across national borders. Such disruptions often exacerbate existing social disparities. Consequently, governments must play a vital role by allocating necessary resources and developing robust emergency response systems.

A critical lesson emerging from the COVID-19 response is the necessity of 'pathogen agnostic' preparedness. Rather than focusing solely on one specific virus, experts argue for building capacities and capabilities that can respond to any emerging infectious disease threat. This includes investing in public health infrastructure, medical and non-medical countermeasures, risk communication, and international partnerships. This approach requires significant investment in people and global partnerships. Strengthening these foundations is essential for building long-term strategic and operational resilience.

The future of pandemic management also depends on constant surveillance. For SARS-CoV-2, this means tracking new variants—such as the alpha, delta, and omicron lineages—by studying mutations in the spike protein's receptor-binding domain. However, scientists like Jacob Lemieux of Harvard Medical School emphasize that even with advanced technology, the exact nature of the next threat remains unpredictable. Whether triggered by influenza, another coronavirus, or a zoonotic leap from animals to humans, the regularity of outbreaks suggests that large-scale, coordinated readiness is essential for survival. Effective monitoring requires studying viral structures to understand how they evolve. This ongoing scientific review is necessary to improve our ability to mitigate emerging threats.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Are we actually more prepared for the next global pandemic?
• How to build a robust defense against the next global health crisis
• Why global health security requires more than just medical expertise
• The tools to end pandemics exist; we just lack the funding.
• The structural blueprint required to survive future global health crises
• A cheap drink of salt, sugar and water transformed the fight against cholera.
• Moving from personal conviction to systemic, large-scale impact
• Physical measurements provide a portable way to assess human health and nutrition
• London's deadliest cholera outbreak was traced to a single street pump.
• Breastfeeding offers diverse health protections for both infants and nursing mothers
• Childhood obesity is a strong but incomplete predictor of adult weight status
• Climate change risks aggravating over half of all known human pathogenic diseases

More in Public health · More in Health · Latest · A–Z · All topics