The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent call to action, warning that a deadly new pandemic could emerge as soon as “tomorrow” and urging governments worldwide to invest in health security without delay. As reported by RT, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the next global outbreak is not a distant possibility but an “epidemiological certainty,” demanding immediate preparedness.
A Looming Threat
The WHO’s alert follows a recent warning from Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former U.S. “COVID czar,” who predicted that the next global outbreak would likely be a highly transmissible respiratory disease with significant morbidity. Ghebreyesus echoed this urgency, stating, “It could happen in 20 years or more, or it could happen tomorrow. But it will happen, and either way, we must be ready.” The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, left a staggering toll—20 million deaths and over $10 trillion in economic losses—underscoring the stakes.
Health Security vs. Military Spending
Ghebreyesus argued that a pandemic could inflict more social and economic damage than a war, yet the investment required for health security is minimal compared to defense budgets. “All countries need to find a balance in protecting their people from both bombs and bugs,” he said. This comes as the U.S. proposed a record-breaking $1 trillion defense budget on Tuesday, while the European Union plans to mobilize up to €800 billion for militarization, citing threats from Russia.
The Pandemic Agreement
The WHO is pushing for the finalization of the Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty aimed at enhancing global preparedness and response to future health crises. While it doesn’t specify funding amounts, the treaty seeks to ensure countries are equipped to handle emerging threats. However, the initiative faces challenges—U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to withdraw from the WHO, citing its handling of COVID-19, despite the U.S. historically being its largest contributor.
Are We Prepared?
With the next pandemic potentially just around the corner, the WHO’s call highlights a critical question: Are governments prioritizing the right defenses? As Ghebreyesus warns, the cost of inaction could dwarf any military conflict, making this a pivotal moment for global health policy.
Author: Planet-Today.com