The next pandemic cannot wait for another promise. Are we ready?

World leaders have renewed their pledge to strengthen pandemic preparedness, with implications for Bangladesh: detecting outbreaks early and ensuring access to vaccines and treatment must remain priorities between emergencies.

At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81)’s second high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response on September 25, leaders called for sustained investment, stronger health systems and fairer access to medical tools, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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They recognised progress through the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations. However, a crucial part of the agreement remains unfinished.

Countries are negotiating a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system, intended to link the sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential to equitable access to vaccines, medicines and diagnostics developed from them. WHO says adoption of the annex in May 2027 is necessary before countries can begin considering ratification of the agreement.

For Bangladesh, the relevance extends beyond COVID-19. Nipah virus infections have been reported almost every year since 2001, illustrating why threats emerging at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health require constant attention.

In February 2026, WHO reported a fatal Nipah case in Naogaon. The patient had consumed raw date palm sap. Authorities investigated the outbreak and traced contacts; no additional cases had been identified as of February 3. WHO assessed the overall risk as low at that time.

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Dr Tareq Salahuddin

Bangladesh has foundations to build on. WHO identifies hospital-based Nipah surveillance established in 2006, rapid response teams at national and district levels, and capacity for rapid laboratory testing among its strengths.

These experiences suggest that practical preparedness means supporting frontline health workers, maintaining dependable testing and reporting systems, and helping communities recognise risks. Coordination across health, livestock and environmental services is essential to the One Health approach highlighted at the UN meeting.

For Bangladeshis, the central issue is whether international commitments translate into timely protection close to home. A suspected infection must trigger investigation, health workers need protection, and communities need clear information they can trust.

The renewed pledge offers an opportunity to strengthen those everyday systems. Its success will depend on sustained funding and implementation before the next emergency arrives.

E-mail: tareq.salahuddin@thedailystar.net