Global health leaders warn of looming threat as 800 medical facilities join forces to prepare for potential future outbreak

The World Health Organisation has sounded the alarm, warning that the globe may be on the cusp of another major pandemic, as it fortifies a vast global health network to combat emerging threats, with representatives from over 800 WHO Collaborating Centres and more than 80 countries convening at a historic Global Forum.

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This gathering brought together a plethora of leading scientists, public health experts, and researchers, who highlighted the rapidly shifting global landscape, marked by climate pressures, conflict, and fragile health systems, which are creating an environment conducive to the emergence and rapid spread of new diseases.

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Despite the ominous warnings, the forum concluded on a note of renewed commitment, with participants agreeing on the need for stronger, more flexible partnerships that transcend rigid research structures in favour of more coordinated and responsive global action.

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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of WHO, underscored the value of the organisation's network of collaborating centres, describing it as an immensely valuable but under-utilised resource for global health, which brings together the world's leading institutions to translate evidence into action and support countries in strengthening their health systems and protecting populations.

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The WHO Collaborating Centres network, established following a 1949 World Health Assembly decision, has evolved over the past 77 years into a vast system of universities, laboratories, and technical institutions that support global health work, playing a central role in shaping global health standards, advancing research, and helping countries translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that save lives.

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At the forum, WHO announced plans to expand its global collaboration through new research structures, including Collaborative Open Research Consortia, which are designed to bring together thousands of scientists worldwide to accelerate innovation and preparedness, with a major focus on preparing for "Disease X," an unknown pathogen that could trigger the next pandemic.

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The goal of this initiative is to expedite the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments before such a threat emerges, with Sylvie Briand emphasizing that collaboration is now essential, not optional, especially in the face of increasing health threats and limited resources.

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Participants at the forum also expressed concerns about declining global health funding, warning that reduced investment could weaken preparedness efforts and allow local outbreaks to escalate into global crises, highlighting the need for coordinated international action in an interconnected world where health threats can spread quickly across borders.

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The forum, which formed part of activities linked to World Health Day 2026 under the theme "Together for health, Stand with science," marked a turning point in global health collaboration, with a stronger push toward unity, innovation, and shared responsibility in tackling future health threats.

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The World Health Organisation has announced that the next Global Forum will take place in 2027, as it continues efforts to strengthen global preparedness and ensure the world is better equipped for the next major health emergency.