A decade after the devastating Ebola outbreak exposed major weaknesses in global health systems and six years after Covid-19 disrupted the world, Africa and many other regions remain dangerously underprepared for the next pandemic, according to a new report and expert analysis.
The warning comes from a report titled A World on the Edge: Priorities for a Pandemic Resilient Future released by the World Health Organization’s Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB). The report highlights that investments in pandemic preparedness have failed to keep pace with growing global health threats.
The findings gained added significance as a new Ebola outbreak emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo in May 2026. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, signalling the need for coordinated international action to prevent further spread.
Virologist and former global health administrator Oyewale Tomori said many of the recommendations made by global health experts continue to be ignored, particularly across Africa, where disease outbreaks remain frequent and often devastating.
Tomori argued that African nations must strengthen confidence in their own ability to detect, prevent and manage health emergencies. He stressed that long term preparedness depends on building stronger local systems rather than relying heavily on external support.
One of the key priorities identified is independent pandemic risk monitoring. According to Tomori, African countries need to invest in their own surveillance systems and ensure health data remains under the control of African institutions. Reliable health data is essential for tracking disease outbreaks, developing vaccines and improving public health responses.
He also emphasized the importance of retaining healthcare workers. While many countries invest heavily in training doctors, nurses and researchers, poor working conditions and limited resources often push skilled professionals to leave. Improving laboratories, providing adequate equipment and creating supportive work environments are critical to maintaining a strong health workforce.
The report also calls for greater access to vaccines, diagnostic tools and medical supplies. Experts argue that Africa must continue pushing for fair technology transfers, intellectual property waivers and stronger local manufacturing capabilities to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains during global emergencies.
Sustainable financing remains another major challenge. Tomori noted that many countries struggle not only with limited resources but also with inefficient spending. He pointed to the African Epidemic Fund, launched in 2025, as a promising initiative that could help build financial reserves for rapid responses to future health crises.
Political commitment is equally important. The report warns that pandemic preparedness often receives attention only during emergencies and fades from government agendas once outbreaks subside. Experts argue that leaders must maintain continuous investment and accountability measures to ensure countries remain ready for future threats.
Community involvement is also seen as a cornerstone of successful preparedness efforts. Building public trust and encouraging local participation can improve disease surveillance, vaccine acceptance and emergency response efforts during outbreaks.
The report concludes that pandemics remain one of the world’s most significant risks and warns that the next global health emergency is not a question of if, but when. Strengthening surveillance systems, investing in healthcare workers, expanding local production of medical supplies and maintaining political commitment will be essential if Africa and the wider world hope to avoid repeating the costly lessons of Ebola and Covid-19.