The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a cautionary statement regarding the potential emergence of Disease X.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Tedros urged nations to come together and endorse a pandemic treaty aimed at readiness for the possible outbreak of this disease, which he predicts could be 20 times more lethal than COVID-19.
Health experts at the forum also warned that Disease X could potentially cause up to 50 million deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for countries to initiate research and implement proactive measures in preparation for any future outbreak.
Taking proactive steps to prepare for Disease X is seen as crucial for saving lives and reducing economic burdens in the long term.
Tedros highlighted WHO’s proactive measures for future outbreaks, including the establishment of a pandemic fund and a “technology transfer hub” in South Africa to facilitate local vaccine production and address disparities between high-income and low-income countries.
Disease X is not a specific illness but rather the hypothetical name given to a potential virus that could cause severe global health impacts akin to COVID-19.
It represents an unidentified disease that poses a substantial threat to human populations globally.
In 2018, WHO identified Disease X as a top-priority area for research.
The goal is to be well-prepared and informed ahead of any outbreak of a new virus, aiming to mitigate the challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
