New Pandemic Plan 2024-2028 Identifies 10 Viruses at Greatest Risk
The newly released Pandemic Plan 2024-2028 has outlined the viruses that are at greatest risk, based on findings from the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the plan, there are 10 viruses that are “under special surveillance” as they are indicated by the WHO to have “greater pandemic potential” and could potentially be the cause of a new, future pandemic.
The plan identifies various viruses, including Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Enterovirus, Henipavirus, Orthomyxovirus, Orthopoxvirus, Paramyxovirus, Respirovirus, Rhinovirus, and Rubulavirus as the “special surveillance” viruses. For several of these viruses, which have a high mortality rate, no vaccines or therapies are currently available. This highlights the urgent need for ongoing research and development in the field of virology and pandemic preparedness.
The plan also includes a detailed framework for response measures, with the WHO identifying four different alert stages and corresponding gradual response measures. These stages are designed to assess the severity of the disease impact in the case of an airborne respiratory pathogen and/or droplets.
In the first stage, recommended measures include hand hygiene, contact tracing, masks for symptomatic individuals, cleaning of surfaces and objects, improvement of indoor air quality, and isolation/quarantine of suspected/sick/infected individuals. As the stages progress, the recommended measures become more stringent, eventually leading to the closure of workplaces and travel restrictions in the event of an “Extraordinary” phase.
This newly developed Pandemic Plan emphasizes the importance of preparation and response to potential pandemics, especially as the world faces ongoing and emerging threats from various viruses. The WHO has also stressed the need for an early warning system and expanded health systems to deal with unknown and future diseases, as exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan is a critical step in addressing the potential risks posed by infectious diseases and lays the groundwork for proactive and collaborative efforts in pandemic preparedness and response. With ongoing research and a comprehensive plan in place, global health organizations and governments can achieve a higher level of readiness to combat future pandemics before they become global crises.