# Global pandemic preparedness warnings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-pandemic-preparedness-warnings
> Updated: 2026-09-26T00:33:18.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

International health organizations and the United Nations have issued warnings regarding global unreadiness for future pandemics. A report by the Nus-Lancet Commission and The Lancet, presented during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, noted that collective memory of the COVID-19 crisis is fading despite rising risks. The report advocated for a shift toward “person-centered protection” to address gaps in healthcare and social systems.

Following these warnings, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed stated that a new pandemic is not a matter of probability, but “a matter of time.” Mohamed emphasized that the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo serves as a test of international readiness. She called for permanent preparedness through three critical actions: closing funding gaps for detection and containment, adopting a ‘One Health’ approach that integrates human, animal, and ecosystem health, and ensuring equitable access to medical tools.

## Claims

- A new global health pandemic is a matter of time rather than a possibility. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- No single country can protect itself from a pandemic in an interconnected world. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo tests the international community's collective readiness. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Massive funding gaps must be closed to ensure all countries can detect and contain potential outbreaks. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The world should adopt a 'One Health' approach linking human, animal, and ecosystem health. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Equity must be a pillar to ensure all countries have access to life-saving tools. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: United Nations warns new global pandemic is a matter of time

The United Nations warns that a new global pandemic is inevitable and urges world leaders to secure permanent funding, adopt a 'One Health' approach, and ensure equitable access to medical tools.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-nations-warns-new-global-pandemic-is-a-matter-of-time

### 2026-09-22: Nus-Lancet Commission warns of global pandemic unreadiness

The Nus-Lancet Commission warns that global health systems remain unprepared for future pandemics, urging a shift toward person-centered protection as the memory of COVID-19 fades.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nus-lancet-commission-warns-of-global-pandemic-unreadiness

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Cite as: Global pandemic preparedness warnings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-pandemic-preparedness-warnings