The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) released a report on Monday, May 18, 2026, warning that government funding cutbacks and a decline in public trust in health authorities have left the world unprepared for the next pandemic. The report describes the current moment as 'crucial' for pandemic preparedness.
According to the GPMB, which was established in 2018 by the World Health Organization and the World Bank, many countries have reduced funding for pandemic surveillance and response systems since the COVID-19 pandemic. The report notes that misinformation and political polarization have eroded trust in public health institutions, making it harder to implement effective measures.
The report calls for increased investment in early warning systems, stockpiles of medical supplies, and global coordination mechanisms. It also emphasizes the need to rebuild public trust through transparent communication and community engagement.
Dr. Joy St. John, a co-chair of the GPMB, stated, 'We are at a crucial time in the history of pandemic preparedness. The lessons of COVID-19 are fading, and we risk repeating the same mistakes.' The report urges governments to prioritize pandemic preparedness as a national security issue.
