Former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has warned that the UK remains unprepared for the next inevitable pandemic, emphasising the need for continuous governmental focus and proactive measures akin to military readiness. Here’s the full story.
Democracy in Action
With the general election rapidly approaching, it can sometimes be comforting to forget the world outside of politics and enjoy the rapid cut and thrust of democracy in action.
The Real World Rears Its Head
However, occasionally, the real world rears its head so that all thoughts of politics are dispersed by the serious threats that remain in the outside world.
Stark Warning
That was the case when Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK’s former chief scientific adviser during the COVID-19 pandemic, issued a stark warning that Britain remains unprepared for the next pandemic.
Not Ready for Another Pandemic
Speaking at the Hay Festival, Vallance outlined the dire situation in simple yet stark terms: “Are we ready for another pandemic? The answer is no.”
“Inevitable”
Vallance argued that future pandemics should be treated with the same urgency and seriousness as potential future wars, advocating for a much more robust and proactive approach to what he called the “inevitable” next pandemic.
“We’re Not Ready Yet”
Vallance said of the next pandemic, “We’re not ready yet. I don’t think we’re treating it in the way that we treat, for example, the armed forces. We know we have to have an army, not because there’s going to be a war this year, but because it’s an important part of what we need as a nation.”
“Not to View It as an Easy Thing”
On being ready for a pandemic, he added, “We need to treat this preparedness in the same way, and not to view it as an easy thing to keep cutting back when there’s no sign of one.”
“Better Surveillance”
Vallance highlighted several critical areas for improvement, stating, “We need better surveillance to be able to pick these things up.”
“Much Faster, Much More Aligned”
He continued, “We need to be much faster, much more aligned, and there are ways to do this – getting rapid diagnostic tests, rapid vaccines, rapid treatments – so that you don’t have to go into the extreme measures that took place last time.”
Political Will
Vallance’s message centred on the need for sustained attention and the political will to drive pandemic preparedness.
Not a Question of If
Vallance said the next pandemic was not a question of if but of when. He warned that it was “absolutely inevitable” and expressed concern that world leaders had already begun to lose focus and forget the harsh lessons learned during the pandemic.
“You Can’t Forget About It”
Vallance stated, “By 2023 the G7 had sort of forgotten about it. You can’t forget about it in two years.”
Some Good News
Vallance did have some good news for a world worried about the return of lockdowns and social distancing, not to mention the cost in human lives.
Pandemic Preparedness Treaty
He cited the World Health Organization’s (WHO) efforts to establish a Pandemic Preparedness Treaty as a positive step. Still, he noted that achieving meaningful progress would require steadfast commitment from governments worldwide.
“Clearly Issues”
Vallance couldn’t leave the topic of the UK election out of his discussion entirely. He said it was “great” that the UK was having an election as there are “clearly issues that need to be sorted out.”
“Extraordinary Situation”
Vallance stated, “We have seen, I think, a really extraordinary situation over the past few years with multiple prime ministers, no real accountability for what’s going on and an extremely chaotic system that needs to be revised.”
“Election Now”
He added, “That’s why it’s really important that there is an election now. It’s time that we have a change.”
“Sign of Incompetence”
Vallance also had some barely veiled criticism of Sunak and his Conservative government, adding that the sight of the Prime Minister, drenched from the rain and straining to be heard over protesters. At the same time, he announced the election was “a sign of incompetence.”
“Chaos”
He added, “The chaos of that event was emblematic,”
Spectre of Future Pandemics
Sir Patrick Vallance’s warnings are a critical reminder of the vital importance of preparedness and competent governance when facing the spectre of potential future pandemics.
Continuous Vigilance
While many would likely rather forget the COVID-19 pandemic and all the loss, loneliness and lack of human connection that came with it, his call for treating pandemics with the same seriousness as national defence only amplifies the need for continuous vigilance.
Stark Reminder
As the UK election draws ever closer, it remains to be seen whether Vallance’s stark reminder of the genuine dangers facing the country will impact the electorate’s vote.
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