WHO Calls for Investment to Combat Future Pandemics

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that ongoing action and investment are crucial to prepare for future pandemic threats. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued this warning on September 25, 2026, during the second United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response in New York.

The meeting gathered political leaders who reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing global safety against pandemics, emphasizing the need for equitable investment and action. Dr. Tedros noted that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in over 20 million excess deaths and a loss of more than $10 trillion in the global economy.

He stressed the importance of building local capacities and resilient health systems. The WHO reported progress since the first High-Level Meeting in 2023, including the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement and improvements in pandemic response infrastructure.

However, countries are urged to finalize negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system to facilitate timely sharing of pathogens and equitable access to health products. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for accelerated negotiations on this critical system.