Newspaper De Standaard reports on most important lessons learned, five year since the start of the pandemic.
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, experts now worry about a new potential threat: bird flu. As the virus continues to spread among mammals, the question arises—are we better prepared than we were in 2020?
What have we learned from COVID-19?
The pandemic brought massive challenges, but it also provided critical lessons that could help us respond to future outbreaks:
- Faster Detection and Improved Coordination: Governments and scientists now have better systems in place for early intervention. However, swift coordination remains a challenge.
- mRNA Technology as a Gamechanger: Vaccines can now be developed and produced at unprecedented speeds, improving our ability to respond effectively.
- Flexibility is Key: Rigid crisis plans don’t work. The next pandemic will unfold differently than COVID-19, making adaptability crucial.
The growing threat of bird Flu
The H5N1 virus is spreading among mammals and needs just one mutation to attach more easily to human cells, increasing the risk of human-to-human transmission. This could set the stage for another global health crisis.
Are we ready? Experts agree that we have better tools than five years ago, but a flawless response is impossible. As epidemiologist John Edmunds puts it: "The only certainty is that it won’t go exactly as planned."
Explore the full article (in Dutch), including quotes by Niel Hens
