Saturday will mark five years since the public health authorities in Wuhan, China, announced the first death from Covid-19. The pandemic swept around the world like a tidal wave, causing millions of deaths and devastating economies everywhere. It is not far-fetched to think that another pandemic is around the corner. It probably won’t be human metapneumovirus – HMPV – a highly infectious respiratory disease currently circulating in China. That’s because HMPV is a common virus and many people already have some natural immunity.
But there are many existing threats that could become the next pandemic. The influenza H5N1, or bird flu, outbreak in US dairy cows is still confined mostly to cattle and farm workers but it is only a mutation or two away from becoming highly transmissible from human to human. Then there is mpox, which is raging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This caused a major, international epidemic in 2022, including in Europe and North America. The mpox strain currently circulating is much more lethal than the old strain, and it has killed hundreds of children. The next pandemic could also be what the World Health Organisation calls Disease X, a currently unknown infection that could resemble Ebola, Sars or Zika.
Let’s begin with all that we got wrong with Covid-19. China didn’t report accurately on the initial Wuhan outbreak, and the WHO was not granted entry for an independent investigation into the origins of SARS-CoV-2. No country was well prepared for the pandemic. Even the highest performing health systems in the US and the UK seemed to fail miserably. Health systems were stretched and there were acute shortages of personal protective equipment, vaccines and treatments. Most of all, we witnessed shocking inequities in access to life-saving medical tools. Rich countries hoarded vaccines while poorer countries suffered and waited for charitable contributions. Vaccine donations came too little and too late.
Those failures sparked a global effort to negotiate a WHO pandemic treaty and reforms of the International Health Regulations. Both negotiations were due to be completed before last May’s World Health Assembly in Geneva. The IHR got over the finish line on the very last day, June 1. But pandemic treaty negotiations imploded. The Assembly extended the mandate for negotiations until May this year but even today the Geneva talks are stalling, with bitter disagreements between the Global North and South. US president-elect Donald Trump may torpedo the negotiations in Geneva or even withdraw entirely from the WHO. Washington is the WHO’s largest state funder; a loss of American support could hollow out the organisation. That would be cataclysmic because the world desperately needs a strong and resilient WHO.
Why is the pandemic treaty important? It would make us healthier and safer by requiring the real-time exchange of scientific information needed for early alert and response, and for developing medical countermeasures like vaccines. It would also provide a mechanism for equitable and affordable access to vaccines and treatments for all people, wherever they live. And the treaty would adopt a “one health” strategy to prevent spillovers from animal to human populations. That means we might just prevent the next pandemic. At the very least, it would make the world much more prepared to quell its spread and provide health care to those who are infected.
The Covid-19 pandemic taught us that no nation acting alone can stop a fast-moving, lethal virus. We need international co-operation and global solidarity
So, how can we succeed in bringing out a robust pandemic treaty, even as the world is descending into nationalist populism? To put it simply, we need a grand social bargain for a fairer and safer world. What would that look like? The Global North wants the rapid exchange of scientific information, which is crucial for early warning, rapid response, monitoring mutations in the virus as well as developing vaccines, therapeutics and other medical countermeasures. This includes surveillance data, pathogen samples and genomic sequencing data. Without real-time access to information, the WHO, governments, pharmaceutical companies and scientists cannot conduct research and develop effective vaccines and treatments.
The Global South wants equity. That means a verifiable mechanism for early and affordable access to the fruits of scientific research. One important mechanism is a so-called Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. All parties would agree to share pathogen samples and digital sequencing data in exchange for fair and affordable access to medical products.
The truth is we need both – scientific exchange and equity. We can do both, and we must.
We also need a robust One Health approach that helps prevent spillovers from animals to humans. Almost 75 per cent of all novel viruses have a zoonotic – animal – origin. The key is to stop novel viruses from being transmitted to humans in the first place, a core prevention approach. How do we do this? Well, it means focusing on “deep” prevention, such as climate change, deforestation and separating animal and human populations. It also may mean the end of factory farming and live wet markets, such as the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market that likely caused the Wuhan Covid-19 outbreak. Banning or regulating the sale and trade of live animals is also needed.
With a new US administration about to take office, the future of international diplomacy and global solidarity may be at risk. But a strong WHO and a pandemic treaty is a win-win for the US, the WHO and global health security. We urgently need international co-operation and legal rules to fortify our defences against the next pandemic.
We don’t know what novel pathogen will cause a worldwide pandemic, whether an influenza virus, a coronavirus, an Ebola virus, or Disease X. But we do know that the next pandemic is coming and it could be right around the corner. This time let’s have strong and resilient health systems, accurate and rapid reporting, scientific exchange and equity. The Covid-19 pandemic taught us that no nation acting alone can stop a fast-moving, lethal virus. We need international co-operation and global solidarity.
We all inhabit one planet and have a common stake in preventing the next huge public health crisis.
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
Price: from Dh94,900
On sale: now
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
The years Ramadan fell in May
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
SCORES
Multiply Titans 81-2 in 12.1 overs
(Tony de Zorzi, 34)
bt Auckland Aces 80 all out in 16 overs
(Shawn von Borg 4-15, Alfred Mothoa 2-11, Tshepo Moreki 2-16).
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Meydan Racecourse racecard:
6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes Listed (PA) | Dh175,000 | 1,900m
7.05pm: Maiden for 2-year-old fillies (TB) | Dh165,000 | 1,400m
7.40pm: The Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) | Dh265,000 | 1,600m
8.15pm: Maiden for 2-year-old colts (TB) | Dh165,000 | 1,600m
8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) | Dh265,000 | 2,000m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh190,000 | 1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh190,000 | 1,600m.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
BRIGHTON 0
MANCHESTER UNITED 3
McTominay 44'
Mata 73'
Pogba 80'
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Naga
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
more from Janine di Giovanni
Scores
Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool
Arsenal 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Burnley 1-0 Brighton
Manchester United 4-1 Fulham
West Ham 3-2 Crystal Palace
Saturday fixtures:
Chelsea v Manchester City, 9.30pm (UAE)
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur, 11.45pm (UAE)
Four tips to secure IoT networks
Mohammed Abukhater, vice president at FireEye in the Middle East, said:
- Keep device software up-to-date. Most come with basic operating system, so users should ensure that they always have the latest version
- Besides a strong password, use two-step authentication. There should be a second log-in step like adding a code sent to your mobile number
- Usually smart devices come with many unnecessary features. Users should lock those features that are not required or used frequently
- Always create a different guest network for visitors
Company%20Profile
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The National selections
Al Ain
5pm: Bolereau
5.30pm: Rich And Famous
6pm: Duc De Faust
6.30pm: Al Thoura
7pm: AF Arrab
7.30pm: Al Jazi
8pm: Futoon
Jebel Ali
1.45pm: AF Kal Noor
2.15pm: Galaxy Road
2.45pm: Dark Thunder
3.15pm: Inverleigh
3.45pm: Bawaasil
4.15pm: Initial
4.45pm: Tafaakhor
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
%E2%80%98FSO%20Safer%E2%80%99%20-%20a%20ticking%20bomb
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Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
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