Global health exposed as deadly viruses continue to spread, report finds

A new study reveals that global health programs have yet to integrate lessons from Covid-19, leaving the world vulnerable to a growing number of viruses and disease outbreaks. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPPR) warns that neglecting known biological threats has pushed the world closer to another global health emergency.

The report highlights the rapid spread of Mpox to over 82 countries in less than a year, with more than 14,000 confirmed cases and 50 deaths in the first nine months of 2026. The IPPPR also criticizes the failure to vaccinate the targeted 6.4 million people in Africa, leaving many exposed to further transmission.

Experts emphasize the need to stop ignoring sporadic diseases with epidemic potential, as seen with Mpox, which was neglected at the world's peril. Community health care neglect, missed signals, and pathogens spreading beyond their habitats have left everyone vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Ebola continues to spread in Central Africa, largely due to porous borders between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda and Rwanda. Insufficient investment in surveillance, research, community health systems, and vaccines has allowed the virus to mutate and spread, causing over 5,340 deaths and 10,351 confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone.

In Europe, the first human death from Shamonda and the Russian plague has further highlighted the potential for biological threats. Dengue fever, carried by mosquitoes, is also on the rise, claiming 418 lives in Bangladesh and causing over 133,000 hospital admissions as of October 30.

The WHO reports that global health has been in emergency situations for about 70% of the time since the beginning of 2020, when Covid-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Trust between governments and citizens plays a crucial role in disease response, as a 2022 study published in The Lancet found. The UAE has strengthened monitoring and surveillance of diseases such as Ebola, implementing travel restrictions to prevent further spread.