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Sir Patrick Vallance, the former chief scientific advisor to the UK government, has issued a stark warning: another pandemic is inevitable. Speaking at the Hay Festival, Vallance emphasized the need for the incoming government to prioritize pandemic preparedness, The Guardian reports. Vallance stressed the importance of “better surveillance” systems to detect emerging threats early.
He emphasized the significance of quick reaction mechanisms, stating that ready availability of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies could avoid drastic measures like the ones seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he warned that these enhancements would necessitate extensive international cooperation. Reflecting on his message to G7 leaders in 2021, Vallance expressed frustration that by 2023, these critical points had been largely forgotten. “You can’t forget about it,” he urged, recommending that pandemic preparations be treated with the same importance as military readiness.
“We know we have to have an army, not because there’s going to be a war this year, but because it’s essential for national security. We need to treat pandemic preparedness in the same way.” Vallance endorsed the World Health Organization’s pandemic accord, which promotes international collaboration on pandemic preparedness, as a positive step. He also pointed out the need for more efficient and faster inquiry processes to better handle future pandemics.
He additionally highlighted the need over improved effectiveness and expedited investigation handles for managing future pandemics. Vallance remarks come as the UK prepares for an election, and he cited the previous government attempts, such as the smoking cessation bill, which he hopes will be discussed quickly by the new government. Vallance communication is simple: the next pandemic is not a question of if but when.
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