Pandemics

A pandemic is an outbreak of an infectious disease that spreads across a large region, such as multiple countries or continents, and affects a significant portion of the population. Unlike an epidemic, which is confined to a specific area, a pandemic has a much wider reach and can cause widespread health, social, and economic impacts. There have been several significant pandemics throughout history, with the most recent being COVID-19, which has had a profound global impact and is still ongoing.

The COVID-19 pandemic

In December 2019, a cluster of pneumonia cases emerged among people associated with seafood and animal markets in Wuhan, China. The cause was identified as a novel coronavirus, later named COVID-19. This disease spread to nearly every country in the world, leading to significant changes in daily life, healthcare systems, and economies. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, its highest level of alarm. WHO continues to provide updates on the pandemic on this page: WHO COVID-19 Dashboard

The virus is transmitted through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Therefore, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene are essential preventive measures. Those most at risk of infection are people caring for infected individuals, such as family members and healthcare workers. WHO provides guidance on occupational health and safety measures for health workers and occupational health services in this document: Occupational health and safety for health workers.

Healthcare workers are on the front lines of the pandemic, facing not only exposure to the virus but also hazards such as long working hours, psychological distress, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma, and physical and psychological violence. WHO has developed guidance to support the mental and psychosocial well-being of various target groups, including healthcare workers, during an outbreak: Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

It is likely that new pandemics will occur in the future, as historical data and scientific research indicate that pandemics are not rare events. WHO has emphasized the ongoing threat of emerging pathogens with the potential to cause significant health crises. Preparing for future pandemics involves strengthening surveillance systems for early detection, investing in robust healthcare infrastructure, and supporting research and development of vaccines and treatments. Global collaboration and public health education are crucial, along with comprehensive preparedness plans and support for healthcare workers. These strategies collectively enhance our readiness and ability to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.