Global monitoring of disease outbreak preparedness: Preventing the next pandemic

This report provides an objective, evidence-based monitoring framework to track the performance of the international community and its key institutions in reducing a substantial global threat of disease outbreaks, and to regularly disseminate the results. This will help to clarify and increase accountability. Work is already underway to improve global health security at the country, regional, and international levels by country governments, local and international institutions, civil society organizations, donor agencies, multilateral organizations and universities, and yet more needs to be done.

The purpose of the proposed global monitoring arrangement is not to create entirely new bodies of research, but rather, wherever possible, to consolidate existing work into a comprehensive framework that can be shared widely and strategically to strengthen impact. By monitoring international-, regional-, and national-level actions to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, we can celebrate improvements, shine a light on outstanding gaps and weaknesses, and hold policymakers accountable. Routine, transparent, and objective monitoring will also help to ensure sustained financial support and effective prioritization from international organizations, donor agencies, national governments, and the private sector.

This report is primarily intended for the community of policymakers and researchers concerned about the rising risks of domestic, regional, and global infectious disease epidemics, and the collective failure to take the coordinated actions required to reduce such risks. These risks include the expected health, economic, and societal costs that are borne by countries, regions, and even all nations in the case of pandemics (which are worldwide epidemics).