The changing face of pandemic risk: 2024 report

Pandemic preparedness must go beyond just addressing viruses and medical interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to rethink preparedness by considering the complex relationships between humans, the environment, animals, and technology. A more interdisciplinary and inclusive approach is required to fully leverage human intelligence and expertise across sectors to tackle future pandemics effectively. Preparedness efforts should incorporate a broader understanding of human factors and draw on diverse disciplines to create holistic, practical solutions for 21st-century pandemic risks.

The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board urges global leaders to prioritize interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration in pandemic preparedness. This includes developing tools that integrate human, environmental, and technological factors, adopting more inclusive frameworks, and creating adaptable, holistic systems. By working together across countries and sectors, we can build stronger, fit-for-purpose systems to protect global populations from future pandemic threats.