It has been four years since the world was gripped by the outbreak of the corona epidemic. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, issued a stark warning that the next epidemic was not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’. He cautioned that if humanity failed to learn from the lessons of this pandemic, we would pay dearly when the next one strikes, which could potentially be more severe than the coronavirus.
Ghebreyesus had previously, in 2018, spoken about the possibility of ‘Plague X’, a hypothetical disease or pathogen that humanity would be ill-prepared to deal with. His words were prophetic as just two years later, the corona epidemic broke out, leading to the death of millions and causing severe economic, social and political crises around the globe that are still being felt today. He expresses concern that “the painful lessons from the corona epidemic may be forgotten when the world’s attention is devoted to other crises”.
Professor Oren Kobiler, a virologist from the School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, believes that our situation has even worsened. He points out several factors that need to be considered when assessing preparedness for the next epidemic. One of the most significant factors, according to him, is the rise of science denial and vaccine opposition that the corona epidemic has fueled. He laments the fact that there are places around the world that still distribute ineffective drugs for corona, because they refuse to trust science and the proven treatments.
Kobiler stresses the need for education among the general public as well as within the medical community. He believes that doctors require better training and a more structured way of disseminating information. He further adds that other factors such as the rapid spread of epidemics due to extensive global travel and the disparity in the distribution of vaccinations and medical treatment between different countries also need to be addressed. An additional concern he raises is the plight of the immunosuppressed who, while benefiting from modern medicine for other diseases, are left vulnerable to epidemics as vaccines may not provide them sufficient protection.
On the subject of community medical system preparedness, Dr. Julie Shleifer, an internist in the Sharon Shomron district, agrees with Ghebreyesus’ sentiments. She admits that the nature of the next disaster is uncertain and that we are continuously learning as we navigate through these crises. She highlights that the corona epidemic has brought about changes in the system of preparation for various situations. She mentions that simulations are now conducted to prepare for potential epidemics, cyber attacks or terrorist attacks.
Dr. Shleifer gives credit to the rapid changes implemented by the Klalit General Health Fund in response to the changing needs during the corona epidemic, such as the establishment of a digital system. Today, appointments and prescriptions are conducted digitally, a practice that many were skeptical about in the past. She acknowledges that while we may not be fully prepared, it’s impossible to be completely ready for an unknown future threat.
