Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK’s former chief scientific advisor, has warned that another pandemic is a certainty and the incoming government needs to prioritise preparedness, according to The Guardian. Speaking at the Hay Festival, Vallance acknowledged the upcoming election but stressed the urgency of “sorting out” critical issues.
According to Vallance, establishing “better surveillance” to identify emerging threats early is one of the most important issues. He reiterated his message to the G7 leaders in 2021 by highlighting the significance of quick action. According to Vallance, easily accessible diagnostics, immunizations, and therapies could avert the need for the extreme measures seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although attainable, these advancements necessitate substantial global “coordination,” he warned.
He claimed, according to The Guardian, that the G7 had “sort of forgotten” about the things he had said in 2021 by 2023. He insisted, “You can’t forget about it,” suggesting that pandemic plans be handled in a manner akin to that of the armed forces.
“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 said. “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 mentioned the World Health Organisation’s push for the pandemic accord, a proposed agreement for countries to collaborate on pandemic preparedness, as one of the “positive steps” being taken. “However, I don’t believe there is enough focus,” he said. If this issue is removed from the G7 and G20 agendas, “we will be in the same situation, and I hope that is a key outcome of the inquiry.”
He also noted problems with the speed and efficiency of inquiries, stating that we “must find a better way” to conduct them.
Although Vallance believes it is time for an election, he praised the outgoing government’s anti-smoking bill and expressed disappointment that it will not be passed before the election. “I think this needs to be addressed quickly afterward,” he said.
