A new report by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board warns that the world is increasingly vulnerable to infectious diseases like Ebola and hantavirus, exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and weakened health systems. Despite advancements in vaccine technology since the Covid-19 pandemic, global cooperation is deteriorating, making containment efforts more challenging.

• 01The report highlights that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in at least 87 deaths, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it an international public health emergency.
• 02Climate change is facilitating the spread of infectious diseases by allowing disease-carrying animals and insects to invade new regions.
• 03Armed conflict and political instability are destroying healthcare infrastructure, disrupting vaccination programs, and forcing populations into overcrowded conditions that promote disease transmission.
• 04Despite advancements in vaccine technology, equitable access to vaccines and medicines remains a significant issue, with African countries experiencing delays in receiving mpox vaccines.
• 05Public trust in governments and health institutions has diminished since the Covid-19 pandemic, complicating future responses to health emergencies.

The rising incidence of infectious diseases could strain healthcare systems, particularly in regions already affected by conflict and weakened infrastructure.