Next pandemic 'inevitable': Top British scientist warns

As the world continues to reel out of the terrible experiences of the coronavirus pandemic, a top British scientist has warned that the next one iis "absolutely inevitable."

As the world continues to reel out of the terrible experiences of the coronavirus pandemic, a top British scientist has warned that the next one iis "absolutely inevitable."

Sir Patrick Vallance, the former chief scientific adviser to the UK government, has issued a stern warning that another pandemic is an inevitability, urging the incoming administration to prioritize preparedness efforts to avoid a repeat of the Covid-19 crisis.

Speaking at the Hay Festival in Powys, Vallance emphasised the pressing need for the UK government to implement robust surveillance systems capable of rapidly detecting emerging threats. "We are not ready yet," he cautioned, stressing the importance of learning from the hard-won lessons of the recent pandemic.

Reflecting on his advice to G7 leaders in 2021, Vallance reiterated the necessity for a coordinated global approach to develop rapid diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments. "We need to be much faster, much more aligned," he was quoted as saying by The Guardian.