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Pandemics and epidemics will continue to pose systemic risks to the global economy. Even before the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, major pandemics—and epidemics such as plague, cholera, flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)—had already afflicted humanity (Piret and Boivin 2021). And, as societies evolve, so will infectious diseases, with the frequency of pandemics expected to rise in coming decades (Marani and others 2021).

The rise of trade and increased interaction with animals may lead to the emergence of new diseases, which could occasionally become pandemics—causing great harm to lives, societies, and economies. The experience of COVID-19 teaches us that we can and must do better to be prepared for future pandemics and epidemics, with scope for much greater global coordination. While it is too early for a full accounting of the global response to the pandemic, this working paper draws seven early lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic that could inform the global response in the future. 

To read the full paper, click the linked file.