Experts say UAE is ready for the next pandemic following Covid-19

The Covid pandemic, which killed nearly 7 million people globally, is considered to be one of the deadliest in history. As the world reflects on the impact of this devastating event, experts are already looking ahead and preparing for the possibility of future pandemics.

Dr. Mahra Khalifa Al Hosani, from the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, emphasized the inevitability of another pandemic during a panel discussion at the University of Birmingham in Dubai. “We know another pandemic is going to come but we don’t know when,” she stated, highlighting the importance of being prepared for such a scenario.

One expert, Dr. Ahmed Alhammadi, President of Emirates Infectious Diseases Society, expressed that it is only “a matter of time” before the next pandemic occurs. He mentioned the potential sources of the next pandemic, which could be a respiratory viral illness, a zoonotic infection, or a vector-borne disease like dengue.

Dr. Ahmed also pointed out the role of human activities in increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. The destruction of forests to accommodate the growing population exposes people to new strains of diseases, putting them at risk.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the timing and nature of the next pandemic, the UAE is fully prepared to face any challenges that may arise. Dr. Mahra reassured the public that the country has advanced technologies, testing capabilities, and specialized expertise to handle future pandemics effectively.

Dr. Ahmed highlighted the UAE’s detailed plan of action in case of another pandemic, including patient admission procedures, transportation protocols, and medication storage arrangements. He also shared some challenges faced during the Covid pandemic, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences to improve future preparedness.

Dr. Imane Boudellioua, a Senior Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of utilizing the latest technology, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance readiness and early detection of potential outbreaks.

The role of the general public was also emphasized in containing future pandemics. Dr. Mahra stressed the importance of public cooperation in providing essential information for contact tracing and quarantine measures. Dr. Ahmed urged people to continue practicing good hygiene measures, educating themselves, and taking necessary precautions even beyond the pandemic.

As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the proactive approach taken by experts and authorities in the UAE serves as a model for preparedness and resilience in the face of future health crises.