Experts Warn the World Is Still Unprepared for the Next Pandemic

Six years after the first confirmed COVID-19 case, experts warn that the world remains poorly prepared for the next pandemic. While scientific advances in vaccines and treatments have been significant, many protective measures—like mask-wearing—have faded from public use. Florian Krammer, a leading infectious disease specialist, has repeatedly highlighted the need for stronger global readiness.

During the early stages of the pandemic, mask-wearing on public transport proved effective against respiratory illnesses, including flu. Studies showed masks worked better against flu than SARS-CoV-2 because flu spreads less easily. Yet, by 2024, fewer people continued the practice, even as countries like Japan and South Korea maintained voluntary winter mask use to curb infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other bodies introduced key measures after 2020. These included a WHO coordination centre at Germany's Robert Koch Institute for emergency medical teams, EU-funded projects like BE READY to improve data-sharing, and national testing strategies—such as Austria's free asymptomatic testing from June 2020. Despite these efforts, experts argue that overall preparedness has weakened since 2019.

Recent flu seasons have seen high demand for vaccinations in places like Austria, following early and severe outbreaks. But broader pandemic planning remains inconsistent. Florian Krammer, who took up a professorship in infectious medicine at Vienna's Medical University in March 2024, now also leads the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Science Communication and Pandemic Preparedness. Currently in New York, he will return to Vienna next week to continue his work.

Scientists agree another pandemic is inevitable. Without better coordination, the damage could be worse than before.

The decline in mask use and uneven adoption of WHO recommendations leave gaps in global defences. While tools like vaccines and pathogen sequencing have improved, experts stress that stronger systems are needed to respond quickly. The next pandemic's impact will depend on how well countries act on these lessons now.