The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the African region, listing over 30 pathogens that could spark the next pandemic.
In its latest report, WHO highlights Lassa fever, Mpox, Ebola, and dengue fever as some of the viruses and bacteria that pose a significant threat.
Lassa fever, endemic in Nigeria, is expected to see a surge in cases until the end of the dry season. Mpox outbreaks, caused by different virus clades, have been reported in various African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.
In response to the growing threat of mosquito-borne viral infections, WHO has prequalified a new vaccine for dengue, TAK-003. The prioritization of these pathogens involved a global effort of over 200 scientists from more than 50 countries, evaluating the science and evidence on 28 virus families and one core group of bacteria.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO are calling on researchers and governments to accelerate global research to prepare for the next pandemic. CEPI’s CEO, Dr. Richard Hatchett, emphasized the importance of WHO’s scientific framework, saying it’s a “vital shift in how the world approaches countermeasure development.”
