Public health threats top experts’ agenda
During a public health conference on Wednesday, prominent epidemiologists discussed the possibility of a new pandemic emerging from one of 25 virus families currently under surveillance by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Notably, H5N1 avian flu, which has already infected millions of birds and dozens of humans, is a top concern.
Sotiris Tsiodras, a professor at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, highlighted that the probability of an individual experiencing a major public health threat in their lifetime is 38%.
He emphasized the need for preparedness, stating, “The goal is to have countermeasures ready for a potential new pandemic,” citing the risk of viral mutations, including a more transmissible version of H5N1.
Tsiodras also warned of a potential unknown pathogen, similar to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2.
The conference also addressed the “silent pandemic” of antimicrobial resistance, which is responsible for over 35,000 deaths annually in the EU.
Christos Chatzichristodoulou, president of the National Public Health Organization (EODY), noted that Greece has one of the highest rates of antibiotic resistance in Europe.
EODY is focusing on increasing surveillance, improving prescription practices, and developing strategies to combat both emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.
Kathimerini
