It's been five years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
Since then, over 7 million people have lost their lives to the virus, and it's had a profound impact on societies worldwide.
But as we move forward, it's essential to reflect on what we've learned and how we can better prepare for the next pandemic.
Lessons Learned: What Went Right and Wrong
In Australia, our diagnostic laboratories were quick to respond, with the Doherty Institute diagnosing the first case of COVID-19 and isolating the virus globally in early 2020.
A national public health response was also swiftly put in place, including border closures, testing centers, and gathering restrictions.
However, there were challenges in sharing data, biological samples, and testing ingredients between states and territories.
One major recommendation from an independent review of the federal government's COVID-19 response was the establishment of an Australian Centre for Disease Control.
This initiative aims to provide independent technical advice on infectious diseases and facilitate rapid data integration from all states and territories, leading to a more unified response.
Harnessing Medical Technologies for Future Pandemics
Recent technological advancements in diagnostics and vaccine development have put us in a strong position to respond to future pandemics.
Companies like Moderna and CSL have established themselves in Australia, providing access to mRNA vaccines and other critical technologies.
But what if we can't develop an effective vaccine for a future pandemic? In such cases, we'll need to rely on antiviral drugs, which are currently being developed to target whole families of viruses.
Global Collaboration: The Key to Pandemic Preparedness
To be better prepared for future pandemics, we need global collaboration, resource sharing, and engagement from the private sector.
Initiatives like the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics are working towards developing new technologies that can be easily adapted to new viruses.
However, we also need agreed-upon systems to ensure widespread, equitable access to vaccines and treatments. The WHO's "pandemic accord" aims to achieve this, but a binding agreement remains elusive.
Preparing for the Next Pandemic: A Matter of When, Not If
COVID-19 may be under control, but new infectious disease outbreaks continue to emerge. With the rise of mpox and other viral diseases, it's clear that pandemics are a global, not national, problem.
As we move forward, it's crucial that countries like Australia step up their commitments to global pandemic preparedness, relying on evidence and lessons learned from COVID-19.
We still have a long way to go, but by working together, we can create a safer, more resilient world for future generations.
