Preparing for the next pandemic

NHK

3 days ago

As the international community grapples with how to prepare for the next pandemic, the World Health Organization has adopted a new accord. The Pandemic Agreement addresses prevention, preparedness and response.
The legally binding document calls on signatories to assist developing nations with vaccine development. It also includes plans for a new framework for countries to keep each other updated on pathogens.
NHK World spoke with Dr. Omi Shigeru, who led Japan's COVID-19 response, about the agreement. Dr. Omi is a former WHO Regional Director who now serves as chair of Japan's Anti-Tuberculosis Association.
*The interview, first broadcast on NHK World's NEWSLINE on May 22, has been edited for brevity and clarity.
How vulnerable are we to another pandemic? And how effective will this new agreement be?
Dr. Omi Shigeru: We live in a time of immense vulnerability to diseases. The next pandemic could happen any time, thanks to population growth, the global flow of people and goods, the destruction of ecosystems, and global warming. I welcome the adoption of this agreement. Dr. Omi Shigeru led Japan's COVID-19 response. He is now chair of Japan's Anti-Tuberculosis Association.
Many countries, with different interests and challenges, all had to come together and put in great effort to make this agreement happen. But this is only the first step toward improving our global pandemic response. Ratification could take a very long time, and even once it's implemented, it's not a silver bullet.
Also, consider after the SARS pandemic in 2003, the international health regulations were revised. Countries were told to build up their core capacities to respond and track diseases. But, less than two decades later, COVID-19 happened. So, these agreements do not always have the desired effect.
During COVID-19, there was a lot of tension and confusion…some countries couldn't access what they needed. What lessons should we take away from that?
Dr. Omi: The issue is insufficient collaboration between the concerned parties. Countries where the economy is based around people being near domesticated animals are very vulnerable. They do not always have the infrastructure to respond rapidly and adequately. Pathogens do not recognize national borders, so we must find ways to freely share knowledge as well as access to tools, such as vaccines. Dr. Shigeru says it's crucial that global authorities share information and access to vaccines.
We mentioned this agreement is legally binding. What does that mean in terms of ensuring it's followed?
Dr. Omi: Well, if a country were to fail to implement it, it could face bad publicity, but I don't think strong sanctions would be practical. Obviously, countries with the ability to develop vaccines and therapeutics expect a return on their investments, and they hope to maintain intellectual property rights.
Developing countries, on the other hand, claim that access to pathogens and vaccines should be freely available to them because it benefits everyone. We must find ways of bridging that gap. Dr. Omi Shigeru appears on NHK World's NEWSLINE.
The United States is leaving the WHO. How big of an impact will this have?
Dr. Omi: The US has played a leading role fighting diseases worldwide, with its technology and its finances. Its support has stopped small-scale fires from turning into major firestorms.
The WHO stands to lose not just US funding, but also American staff working on-site during outbreaks. It will become difficult to buy medicines, vaccines and test kits. The US, itself, is also becoming more vulnerable by cutting its healthcare budget. Disease prevention is more effective than a cure, but vaccination rates are down, and we're seeing diseases like measles making a comeback.
As a long-time employee of the WHO, I would like the US to change course and return as soon as possible. At the same time, I hope that Japan will show leadership in cooperation with other countries to fill the vacuum.
What role can Japan play?
Dr. Omi: Japan has a track record of supporting developing countries with expertise in fields such as basic as well as clinical research, epidemiological studies, and international collaboration.
We have helped these nations strengthen their health systems and human resources with our financial and technical support. Given the US withdrawal, I believe Japan will be called upon to contribute in these areas more than ever before.