According to the latest reports by The Guardian, the United Kingdom’s former chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, has assured that there will be a new pandemic. So, the incoming governments should be prepared. At the Hay Festival, Vallance spoke about the need to sort out critical issues.
According to Patrick Vallance, establishing better surveillance to detect emerging threats early is inevitable. He sent a message to G7 leaders about the need for rapid emergency response. Vallance believes readily available diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments can help us prevent the situations faced during COVID-19. He mentioned that these improvements require international coordination.
The Guardian reported Vallance saying that by 2023, the G7 needed to remember his 2021 points 2023. Vallance recommended that pandemic preparations be as important as those of the armed forces.
Vallance mentioned, “We know we have to have an army, not because there’s going to be a war this year, but we know it’s an important part of what we need as a nation.” He continued, “We need to treat this preparedness in the same way and not view it as an easy thing to keep cutting back when there’s no sign of a pandemic–because there won’t be a sign of a pandemic.”
He highlighted the World Health Organisation’s pressure on pandemic situations and the agreement among countries to collaborate on pandemic preparedness, which is a positive step. After this, he said, “However, I don’t believe there is enough focus. If the issue is removed from the G7 and G20 agenda, we will be in the same situation, and I hope that is a key outcome of the inquiry.”
In a speech, Sir Patrick Vallance warned the world to stay prepared for new pandemics at the Hay Festival. He also praised the outgoing government’s anti-smoking bill during the speech. However, he expressed sadness that the bill won’t be passed before the election.
