"Lessons Unlearned: The Ongoing Battle Against Pandemics"
The director general of the World Health Organization has expressed concern over the negotiations for a new multilateral pandemic agreement, citing a lack of progress and the influence of fake news, lies, and conspiracy theories. With 29 million deaths and a billion-dollar debt from the pandemic, the international community appears to have learned nothing, as differences between rich and poor countries, geopolitical context, and private interests threaten to derail the agreement. The need for a strong epidemiological surveillance system and fair distribution of resources is emphasized, as well as the importance of learning from past mistakes to prepare for future health risks.