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Context:

• Recently, the WHO has listed over 30 pathogens that could potentially start the next pandemic.

Introduction

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its 2024 Pathogen Prioritization Report, which identifies over 30 pathogens that have the potential to cause future pandemics.
• This report serves as a crucial framework for guiding global epidemic and pandemic research preparedness, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance and the allocation of resources.

Scope and Methodology

• The 2024 report evaluated evidence related to 28 viral families and one core group of bacteria, encompassing a total of 1,652 pathogens.
• This extensive assessment aimed to identify the most significant threats based on parameters such as transmissibility, morbidity, mortality, and potential for causing widespread outbreaks.

Key Pathogens Listed

The report highlights several well-known pathogens, including:

• Covid-19: Despite the world moving on, the virus continues to pose a significant threat, demonstrated by recent surges in cases, including outbreaks among athletes at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
• Dengue: With its growing prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions, dengue remains a significant global health concern.
• Zika: Known for causing severe birth defects, Zika continues to be a pathogen of interest.
• Avian Influenza: The potential for zoonotic transmission makes avian influenza a pathogen to monitor closely.

New Concepts Introduced

• For the first time, the 2024 report incorporates the concepts of the "Family Approach" and the "Prototype Pathogen."
• These methodologies aim to improve preparedness by focusing on broader viral and bacterial families, rather than individual pathogens alone.

Family Approach

• The Family Approach aims to expand our understanding by studying entire families of pathogens.
• This method allows researchers to identify common characteristics and potential risks within a group, facilitating a more comprehensive preparedness strategy.

Prototype Pathogen

• The concept of the Prototype Pathogen involves selecting representative pathogens from each family to serve as models for research.
• These "pathfinders" help scientists develop diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines that can be quickly adapted for similar pathogens within the same family.

Importance of Research and Surveillance

• The report emphasizes the importance of continuous research and surveillance.
• Neglecting the "Dark Areas"—regions of uncertainty about which pathogen might cause the next Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) or pandemic—could leave the global community unprepared for emerging threats.

Role of Start-Ups and Innovation

• The report highlights the need for governmental support, particularly in fostering innovation and start-ups that can develop new diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures for these prioritized pathogens.
• Investment in biotechnology and research infrastructure is crucial for enhancing pandemic preparedness.

Conclusion

• The 2024 Pathogen Prioritization Report by WHO is a vital document that outlines the potential threats posed by a range of pathogens.
• By introducing new approaches like the Family Approach and Prototype Pathogen, the report provides a more strategic framework for global health preparedness.
• Continuous research, surveillance, and innovation are essential to mitigate the risks of future pandemics and protect global health.

About WHO

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.

WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage.

It directs and coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies.

It promotes healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age.

Its Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes.

Working with 194 Member States across 6 regions and on the ground in 150+ locations, the WHO team works to improve everyone’s ability to enjoy good health and well-being.

 ALSO KNOW ABOUT

Disease Type	Disease	Causative Agent	Symptoms	Prevention
Bacterial	Tuberculosis (TB)	Mycobacterium tuberculosis	Persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever	Vaccination (BCG), avoid close contact with TB patients
Bacterial	Cholera	Vibrio cholerae	Severe diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting	Safe drinking water, good sanitation, vaccination
Bacterial	Strep Throat	Streptococcus pyogenes	Sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes	Hand hygiene, avoid close contact with infected individuals
Bacterial	Typhoid Fever	Salmonella typhi	High fever, weakness, abdominal pain, rash	Vaccination, safe food and water practices
Bacterial	Pertussis (Whooping Cough)	Bordetella pertussis	Severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, vomiting after coughing	Vaccination (DTaP), avoid contact with infected individuals
Viral	Influenza (Flu)	Influenza virus	Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches	Vaccination, hand hygiene, avoid close contact with infected individuals
Viral	HIV/AIDS	Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)	Weakening of the immune system, opportunistic infections	Safe sex practices, avoid sharing needles, antiretroviral therapy
Viral	Measles	Measles virus	High fever, cough, runny nose, rash	Vaccination (MMR), avoid contact with infected individuals
Viral	Hepatitis B	Hepatitis B virus (HBV)	Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, liver damage	Vaccination, safe sex practices, avoid sharing needles
Viral	COVID-19	SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus)	Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste/smell	Vaccination, mask-wearing, social distancing
Viral	Chickenpox	Varicella-zoster virus	Itchy rash, fever, tiredness	Vaccination (Varicella), avoid contact with infected individuals

 Reference:

• "In its 2024 report, WHO lists over 30 pathogens that could perhaps start the next pandemic," The Hindu, August 7, 2024.
• World Health Organization (WHO) Pathogen Prioritization Report, June 2024.

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What are the significance of the WHO's Pathogen Prioritization Report in the context of global public health. How does the prioritization of certain pathogens, including fungi like Candida auris, influence strategies for pandemic preparedness and response? Analyze the challenges and opportunities presented by this approach.