The end of the Covid-19 pandemic has experts already discussing when the next one will occur. Dr. Mahra Khalifa Al Hosani from the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre mentioned at a panel discussion in Dubai that it is just a matter of time before the next pandemic strikes. The Covid-19 pandemic, which claimed the lives of nearly 7 million people globally, is considered to be one of the deadliest in history. With the increase in human population, the risk of zoonotic diseases spreading is also on the rise.
Experts predict that the next pandemic could be a respiratory viral illness, a zoonotic infection, or a vector-borne disease like dengue. Dr. Ahmed Alhammadi, President of Emirates Infectious Diseases Society, highlighted that deforestation due to increased human population exposes people to new strains of diseases, putting them at risk. Despite the uncertainty of when the next pandemic will occur, the UAE is fully prepared to deal with it, as stated by Dr. Mahra, Section Head of Preparedness and Response at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.
The UAE has a detailed plan of action in place for dealing with future pandemics, including patient admission, transportation, and medication storage. Dr. Ahmed shared some challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of advanced technologies and preparedness. Dr. Imane Boudellioua suggested utilizing artificial intelligence to model disease spread and aid in early detection, enhancing readiness and response to outbreaks.
The role of the general public is crucial in containing future pandemics, according to Dr. Mahra. People need to understand the importance of measures like contact tracing and quarantine to protect the community. Dr. Ahmed stressed the importance of practicing good hygiene measures beyond the pandemic, including handwashing, wearing masks when necessary, and getting appropriate vaccinations while traveling. Overall, staying informed, educating oneself, and taking necessary precautions are essential in preventing and managing future pandemics.
