Health officials have recently released a comprehensive list of viruses and bacteria that are considered significant threats to public health. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has introduced a «priority pathogen» guide to assist scientists and researchers in focusing their efforts towards enhancing preparedness for potential pandemics.
The list comprises 24 pathogen families, taking into account both global health threats and those specific to the UK population. This initiative aims to expedite the development of vaccines to combat these pathogens. Among the viral pathogen families labeled as high risk for epidemics and pandemics are coronaviridae (including COVID-19), orthomyxoviridae (avian influenza), and paramyxoviridae (Nipah virus).
Dr. Isabel Oliver, the chief scientific officer at UKHSA, emphasized the increasing challenges and risks posed by infectious diseases. She acknowledged the advancements in scientific tools that offer better protection against these threats. However, there is still a need for improved diagnostics, vaccines, medicines, and therapeutics, prompting the development of this guide to guide government research funders, industry partners, and academia in addressing these critical needs.
The assessment of the pandemic and epidemic potential of each viral family was conducted by experts to create this tool. Factors considered included disease severity, transmission routes, and historical pandemics caused by known pathogens within each family. Each group received a risk rating of high, medium, or low based on the evaluations of scientists at UKHSA.
The tool also provides insights into whether the risk is influenced by climate change, the availability of vaccines, the likelihood of human-to-human transmission, and the resistance to antibiotics. Dr. Oliver highlighted the dynamic nature of the situation, emphasizing the need for continuous surveillance and monitoring of threats by UKHSA.
Learning from the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Oliver stressed the importance of considering a wide range of potential health threats and adapting responses accordingly. The approach is centered on enhancing resilience against all families of concern and collaborating with partners to strengthen resilience across the board.
For more information on health threats and preparedness, you can read additional articles from Sky News:
– What you should know about bird flu in the UK
– Five years since lockdown: The images we can’t forget
In conclusion, the UKHSA’s «priority pathogen» guide serves as a valuable resource for addressing current and future health threats, underscoring the importance of proactive measures and collaboration in safeguarding public health.
SOURCE