Lack of preparedness for epidemics

Inadequate containment of infectious diseases

Nature

There is no global plan to counter the threat of epidemics. No international body is prepared to deal with the consequences of an infectious disease with no vaccine, no cure, and a high mortality rate.

Background

The global significance of inadequate epidemic preparedness became starkly evident during the 2002–2003 SARS outbreak, which exposed critical gaps in surveillance and response systems. Subsequent crises, notably the 2014–2016 West African Ebola epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, further highlighted persistent vulnerabilities despite prior warnings. These events catalyzed international scrutiny and underscored the recurring failure to translate lessons learned into sustained, coordinated action, revealing epidemic preparedness as a persistent and escalating world problem.

Incidence

The World Health Organization, which once led the campaign to eradicate smallpox, has in recent years cut by as much as 90 per cent the budget it allocates to the elimination of infectious diseases. Despite the increase in epidemics in recent years, the WHO's prevention and control programmes have been continuously reduced.

Claim

The lack of preparedness for epidemics is a critical and unacceptable failure that endangers millions of lives. History has repeatedly shown that ignoring early warnings and underfunding public health systems leads to chaos, suffering, and preventable deaths. We cannot afford complacency—governments and institutions must prioritize epidemic readiness now. Anything less is a reckless gamble with humanity’s future, and the consequences of inaction will be catastrophic. Preparedness is not optional; it is essential.

Counter-claim

The so-called “lack of preparedness for epidemics” is vastly overstated and not an important problem. Modern medicine, technology, and global communication ensure rapid responses to health threats. Resources spent on hypothetical scenarios could be better used elsewhere. History shows that societies adapt quickly when real threats arise. Constantly worrying about epidemics only fuels unnecessary panic and diverts attention from more pressing, everyday issues that actually impact people’s lives.