WHO warns world on brink of more severe pandemic risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned the world is on the brink of a pandemic threat potentially more devastating than any in the past decade. This was stated in the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) report titled ‘A World on the Edge’.

The report states global preparedness has failed to keep pace with pandemic risks, exacerbated by climate change, increased mobility, and armed conflicts.

‘Although the world has more experience and technology following Covid-19, global conditions are actually increasing pandemic risks. If preparedness is not immediately enhanced, pandemics and other health emergencies could become more frequent, more destructive, and harder to control,’ WHO said, as reported by The National on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

The report was released a day after the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. At least 80 people have died from the disease.

WHO stated the Bundibugyo virus outbreak does not yet meet pandemic emergency criteria, but the risk of spread to countries bordering the DRC is considered very high.

This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC, the country where the virus was first discovered in 1976. WHO warned this outbreak could grow significantly due to high initial positive test rates and rising suspected cases.

‘This outbreak is particularly alarming as there are no approved therapies or vaccines specifically for the Bundibugyo virus,’ WHO said.