‘We’re not ready’: US lags on pandemic preparedness after Covid, experts say
Despite lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, US public health infrastructure remains unprepared for future outbreaks due to funding cuts and misinformation. Experts warn that weakened response systems and eroded public trust pose significant risks. Advances like mRNA vaccines are at risk without sustained investment and effective communication strategies.
- ▪Public health agencies have lost personnel and systems critical for rapid outbreak response, according to former White House official Stephanie Psaki.
- ▪Scientists like Anthony Fauci emphasize that misinformation spreads faster than data, making it difficult to counter false claims with evidence alone.
- ▪There is a 50% chance of another pandemic at least as severe as Covid-19 within the next 25 years, based on current scientific models.
- ▪Effective communication, including pre-bunking myths and acknowledging uncertainty, is essential to rebuilding public trust in health institutions.
- ▪Funding cuts threaten the sustainability of breakthroughs like mRNA vaccines, which relied on years of prior research and investment.
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/17/pandemic-preparedness-after-covid |
| Publication time | Sun, 17 May 2026 11:00:37 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-17T11:12:13.075Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-17T11:55:09.686Z |
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Wanda Kwomo is testing for Covid-19 at the First African Methodist Episcopal church on 29 January 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photograph: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenWanda Kwomo is testing for Covid-19 at the First African Methodist Episcopal church on 29 January 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photograph: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty ImagesUS news‘We’re not ready’: US lags on pandemic preparedness after Covid, experts sayExperts say slashed funding and growing misinformation are some of the greatest challenges facing public healthMelody SchreiberSun 17 May 2026 07.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 17 May 2026 07.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe hantavirus outbreak, while unlikely to spark the next big pandemic, is shining a…
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