Disease X: WHO issues warning about future new pandemics

During the World Economic Forum, held in Davos, Switzerlandlast week, the Diseasealso called Disease X, has become a central point in discussions about health.

The World Health Organization (WHO), through this global meeting, issued a strong warning to world leaders about this new hypothetical pathology, highlighting its potential risks.

The concern arose from the fact that the potential risks of the disease could exceed those of Covid-19.

A new pandemic on the way?

Symbol of medicine – Image: Reproduction Agência Brasil/Denis Balibouse

In essence, Disease X is an imaginary virus that, theoretically, could be up to 20 times more lethal than SARS-CoV-2.

Although it does not actually exist, Disease X is a scenario created by researchers to represent pathogens that have not yet been identified, but which have the potential to trigger future pandemics.

The WHO, in turn, clarifies that the virus represented by Disease X reflect the understanding that a serious pandemic can arise from an as yet unknown pathogen.

Since 2015, recognizing the lack of global preparedness to deal with new diseases, the WHO has established the R&D Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics, an action plan to list pathogens with high epidemic potential.

In this context, Covid-19 is seen as a possible manifestation of Disease X.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, suggests that the current pandemic serves as a valuable experience for scientists to learn about this type of illness.

Therefore, he highlights the importance of anticipating possible scenarios for more effective preparation. Furthermore, the WHO is already taking measures to address this risk.

This includes, for example, creating a pandemic fund and building a technology transfer center in South Africa to address inequalities in vaccine distribution.

To avoid the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, Tedros recommends that healthcare services health expand their capabilities in the face of increased demand.

Preparedness is key to tackling any disease, and WHO is promoting global consultations and partnerships to strengthen the response to unknown pathogens, aiming for a more prepared and resilient future against pandemics or epidemics.