WHO Releases Updated List of Priority Pathogens
Preparing for the Next Pandemic
A Call for Global Collaboration
In a significant step towards preventing future pandemics, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released an updated list of more than 30 pathogens that pose the highest risk of causing a global outbreak. These pathogens have been identified due to their high transmissibility, severity, and potential for pandemic spread. The WHO's goal is to encourage global collaboration and research efforts to develop vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools against these threats.
The WHO's Scientific Advisory Group on the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of existing and emerging pathogens. The list includes viruses like influenza, coronaviruses, filoviruses, and paramyxoviruses, as well as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Notably, several pathogens have been classified as having a "high consequence" potential, meaning they have the capacity to cause widespread illness, death, and economic disruption.
The release of this list serves as a wake-up call to the global health community. By identifying these priority pathogens, the WHO aims to guide national and international efforts to prevent and prepare for potential outbreaks. Through investments in research, surveillance, and public health infrastructure, governments and organizations can work together to mitigate the risks posed by these pathogens and safeguard the health of the population.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in pandemic preparedness. By sharing scientific data, coordinating research efforts, and fostering capacity building, countries can strengthen their defenses against these emerging threats. The organization calls on policymakers, scientists, and healthcare professionals to join hands in this critical mission to protect the global population from the devastating consequences of future pandemics.
Https Www Thehindu Com Sci Tech Health In Its 2024 Report Who Lists Over 30 Pathogens That Could Perhaps Start The Next Pandemic Article68498089 Ece
Https Www Thehindu Com Sci Tech Health In Its 2024 Report Who Lists Over 30 Pathogens That Could Perhaps Start The Next Pandemic Article68498089 Ece
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