WHO warns that risk of new pandemic grows while global preparedness stagnates
A group of Organização Mundial experts from Saúde (WHO) assessed the level of global outbreak preparedness following the Ebola epidemic ten years ago. The risk of a new, more devastating pandemic has increased, but investments and measures to combat it have not advanced at the same pace. The report was released this Monday, May 18, 2026.
The Conselho Global document from Monitoramento from Preparação (GPMB) highlights that the world has experienced five major public health emergencies since 2016, including Covid-19. Apesar of occasional advances, responsiveness shows signs of weakening.
Global Preparação does not keep pace with threats
The GPMB was created in 2018 to avoid a repeat of failures seen in the Ebola crisis at África Ocidental. The new report examines six health emergencies of international importance declared in the last decade. Experts concluded that infectious outbreaks occur more frequently and cause greater impacts on health, economy and society.
The frequency of emergencies detected by the WHO almost doubled between 2015 and 2024. Zoonotic Doenças, transmitted from animals to humans, is gaining ground with climate change and pressure on ecosystems. A recent example involved hantavirus on a cruise ship in Atlântico. The episode was contained, but served as a warning.
Recent Surtos reinforce the vulnerability picture
On the eve of the report’s release, the WHO declared a global public health emergency because of an outbreak of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in República Democrática of Congo and Uganda. Até May 16, authorities recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths in Ituri province. The virus has spread to urban areas, raising concerns.
- Casos confirmed in Ituri, with possible transmission between people
- Suspeitas of infection in multiple health zones
- Mortes among healthcare professionals, which indicates failures in initial control
- Risco expansion to other border regions
- Necessidade reinforced surveillance at border points
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened the 79th Assembleia Mundial of Saúde at Genebra this Monday. Ele described the moment as difficult, dangerous and divisive times, marked by conflict, economic crises and cuts in international aid.
Investimentos in health returns to old levels
Especialistas note that funding for pandemic preparedness grew during Covid-19 but has since declined again. Development aid in the health sector has returned to levels close to those of 2009. Mecanismos as well as Fundo to Pandemias and Acordo from Resposta to Pandemias were created, but face implementation difficulties.
Public trust in healthcare institutions has declined. Desigualdades in access to vaccines, tests and treatments has deepened. The report mentions an “equity fatigue”, with lower political and financial priority to guarantee universal access.
The world has around 10,000 viruses in wild mammals that can potentially infect humans. Most are still unknown. The WHO monitors a dozen priority pathogens, including Ebola, Marburg, Nipah, Lassa fever and the so-called Doença X, which represents an unknown agent with pandemic potential.
Abordagem Uma Só Saúde loses space
The report reinforces the importance of the Uma Só Saúde strategy, which integrates environmental, animal and human surveillance. Essa approach has been neglected in recent years. Mudanças climate change accelerates contact between humans and virus reservoirs.
Armed Conflitos and political instability complicate the work of response teams. Países with fragile health systems face greater difficulties in detecting and containing early outbreaks.
Recomendações seek to reinforce independent systems
The authors advocate the creation of an independent pandemic risk monitoring system. Outras measures include long-term political commitment, sustainable funding for “day zero” of any emergency, and actions to combat misinformation.
The focus is also on sustainable equity. Especialistas ask that access to health tools does not depend solely on national or geopolitical decisions.
Saúde’s 79th Assembleia Mundial discusses, among other topics, the reform of global healthcare architecture to reduce fragmentation and improve coordination.
Histórico shows cycle of advances and setbacks
Após o Ebola from 2014-2016, the world promised to improve early warning and response systems. Covid-19 has exposed persistent gaps. The 2026 report shows that despite more knowledge and tools available, the trajectory of pandemic risk is headed in the wrong direction.
Especialistas like María Paz Sánchez Seco, from Instituto from Saúde Carlos III, remember that viruses evolve and mutate. Sistemas Robust surveillance and agile response remain essential.
