The race to build a pandemic-proof world

Six years after COVID-19 killed millions, battered health systems and brought the global economy to a virtual standstill, the world is still grappling with how to prepare better for the next pandemic, according to United Nations (UN). The 193-member UN General Assembly is holding a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response on 25 September 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York. The one-day gathering brings world leaders together to discuss coordinating global action, financing and equitable access to medical supplies. A political declaration meant to lock in fresh commitments is expected. The need is even greater amid growing threats from emerging infectious diseases, climate-related crises and conflicts.

Over seven million lives were lost due to COVID-19, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO). The pandemic shattered economies, disrupted entire health systems and exposed how unevenly rich and poor countries could access vaccines, tests and treatments. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the global response as a “story of human ingenuity and human failure.” Vaccines were developed at record speed, but the lack of preparedness meant the most vulnerable had the least access to care. Richer countries with manufacturing capacity were far better prepared than poorer ones.

Viruses do not respect borders, making surveillance, data sharing, research and development international priorities. Human, animal and environmental health are now treated as one connected system. Over 60 per cent of emerging infectious diseases jump to humans from animals, so rigorous surveillance at that human-animal-environment interface is critical. The equity issue extends beyond vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to include access to skills, resources and financing. Closing that gap is the core argument for treating prevention, preparedness and response as an international rather than a purely national issue.

The landmark WHO Pandemic Agreement, the first binding global accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, was adopted in May 2025. Negotiators still have to agree the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex, the mechanism for sharing virus samples in return for guaranteed access to resulting vaccines, diagnostics and treatments. Once adopted by the World Health Assembly, the treaty can open for signature and national ratification, requiring 60 ratifications to enter into force. The agreement also establishes a global supply chain and logistics network and a new coordinating financial mechanism. As Guterres warned,

“We must not repeat the mistakes of the past when the next pandemic strikes, as we know it will. That means working together.”

To be better prepared, the international community must focus on several priorities.

• Preventing outbreaks before they start and containing them from spreading
• Stronger preparedness, ensuring capacities and resources are in place
• A more robust response that ensures continuity of essential health services
• Surge and manufacturing capacity that is geographically spread with sustainable supply chains

Underpinning all of this is the need for sustainable and predictable financing and a legal architecture for international coordination and collaboration. The timing of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, so preparation is crucial. The lesson of COVID-19 is that preparedness cannot begin when hospitals are already under strain. It has to happen between pandemics, through stronger health systems, earlier warning and international cooperation.