Five years after COVID was declared a pandemic, we remain inadequately prepared for the next one.

Five years after COVID was declared a pandemic, we remain inadequately prepared for the next one.
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It’s true that five years after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, we still face significant challenges in improving our preparedness for future outbreaks. While there have been strides in vaccine development and public health messaging, many countries still lack robust infrastructure for rapid response, surveillance systems, and equitable access to healthcare. Furthermore, the lessons learned during the pandemic regarding communication and addressing misinformation have not been fully integrated into our public health strategies.
It’s crucial that we continue to invest in research, strengthen global collaboration, and ensure that all communities have the resources they need to respond effectively to future health crises. A proactive approach rather than a reactive one will be essential to truly enhance our preparedness for any potential pandemics in the future.