According to a new poll, 61% of Americans say the risk of pandemics is rising, while 60% support more federal and state investments in pandemic preparedness. Just under half (46%) are in favor boosting preparedness efforts on a global scale. Public Health experts agree with the need to increase capacities to prevent, and manage, the next infectious disease emergency. A group of experts warned in an International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) report that the world is “dangerously unprepared” for the next pandemic. The report recommended that by the end of 2023, every country should finalize updated pandemic response plans and determine which relevant public health laws require updating. Other recommendations include the ratification of a new treaty and revised International Health Regulations by all countries. The document also urges countries to augment domestic health spending by 1% of GDP and global health finance by $15 billion by 2025. “The COVID-19 pandemic should be a wake-up call for the global community to prepare now for the next health crisis,” said Jagan Chapagain, the Secretary General of IFRC.
Full Story: The Hill, Business Insider, IFRC
