A new global survey by Abbott reveals that epidemiologists and infectious disease experts prioritise viral and mosquito-borne pathogens as the top concerns for future disease outbreaks. While pandemic preparedness has improved since the COVID-19 crisis, the survey highlights significant gaps in surveillance programs, public health funding, and testing infrastructure that need to be addressed to combat emerging pathogens effectively.
Commissioned by the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, the survey gathered insights from over 100 leading experts in virology, epidemiology, and infectious diseases. Participants emphasised that emerging pathogens, viral mutations, and the overlap between human, animal, and environmental factors could increase the likelihood of future outbreaks. Dr. Gavin Cloherty, head of infectious disease research at Abbott, stressed the importance of disease surveillance in preventing future pandemics. "Disease surveillance acts as our radar, helping us prioritise which viruses are most likely to trigger an outbreak and where those outbreaks may occur," he said.
Survey Findings
The survey revealed that experts are divided on whether new pathogens (50 per cent) or changes in existing diseases (50 per cent) pose a greater threat. The majority (94 per cent) identified viral pathogens as the most likely to cause widespread outbreaks, followed by bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Respondents highlighted three main factors that could accelerate a local outbreak into a pandemic: highly transmissible pathogens, novel viruses with no existing tests or treatments, and silent transmission.
Experts also emphasised the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change. With increasing temperatures and more frequent flooding, mosquitoes carrying these diseases are moving into new regions. It is estimated that by 2050, 1.3 billion people could be at risk of Zika, and 61 per cent of the global population could be affected by dengue by 2080.
Dr. Sunil S. Solomon, Chairman and Managing Trustee of YRGCARE, stressed the importance of tracking outbreaks in climate-sensitive regions like India. "Tracking outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as dengue, which could be impacted by climate change, is critical," he said, adding that early detection, even by a day, could have significant public health implications.
Key Priorities for Pandemic Preparedness
In response to the survey, the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition has outlined three key priorities to address gaps in the global pandemic preparedness framework:
Addressing Gaps in Surveillance Programs: Governments need to invest in surveillance tools to identify new pathogens quickly and ensure funding for public health infrastructure.
Identifying High-Risk Pathogens: The healthcare community must focus on viruses most likely to spark widespread outbreaks and continue efforts to educate the public on infectious diseases.
Understanding the Changing Environment: Experts agree that climate change, shifting insect ranges, and altered animal habitats are reshaping disease dynamics, emphasizing the need for research and new technologies to track these trends.
