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WHO Chief Warns Another Pandemic is Inevitable
A new pandemic is inevitable, according to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who called it "an epidemiological certainty" rather than a theoretical risk.
Speaking at the resumed Thirteenth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, Ghebreyesus emphasized that the next pandemic could emerge at any time—whether in 20 years or tomorrow. "It will happen, and we must be ready," he stated.
Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19, Ghebreyesus pointed out that the official death toll stood at 7 million, but estimates suggest the true toll could be 20 million. Additionally, the pandemic caused over US $10 trillion in economic losses worldwide.
Despite the dire warnings, Ghebreyesus expressed optimism that a consensus could be reached on the WHO Pandemic Agreement. He assured that the agreement would not undermine any country’s sovereignty, but instead would strengthen both national sovereignty and international collaboration.
The 77th World Health Assembly, scheduled in Geneva from May 27 to June 1, 2024, will continue discussions on the pandemic agreement and proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations.
As of March 23, 2025, the global impact of COVID-19 includes over 777 million confirmed infections and 7.1 million deaths. The WHO had declared the public health emergency of international concern due to COVID-19 from January 2020 until May 2023.