The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has warned that another global pandemic is inevitable, stressing the need for stronger preparedness and coordinated responses to safeguard lives and economies.
Speaking at a public health symposium themed “Lessons on Pandemic Preparedness and Response: Insights from China and Nigeria” held in Abuja, Salako said the world must learn from past experiences to avoid repeating the devastating impact of COVID-19.
“Pandemics are one of the most disruptive and most brutal killers in human history which the world must always be prepared for in a well coordinated and equitable manner if the most recent experience from COVID-19 is not to be repeated,” he said.
He noted that the COVID-19 crisis, which claimed over seven million lives globally, exposed major weaknesses in health systems while also highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation.
“It reminded us that infectious diseases knows no borders… and revealed that even the wealthiest nations could be brought to their knees by a pandemic,” Salako added.
The minister said Nigeria faced significant challenges during the outbreak but managed a relatively effective response through coordination, leadership, and innovation despite a fragile health system.
According to him, both Nigeria and China have valuable lessons to share with the world in preventing and managing future outbreaks.
“Our two countries therefore have a lot to learn from each other and to teach the world in order prevent and manage future pandemic outbreaks,” he stated.
Salako warned that global instability and economic pressures make it critical to avoid another poorly managed health crisis, noting that experts predict another pandemic could occur within the next five to eight years.
He highlighted Nigeria’s progress in strengthening its health security, including improved disease surveillance systems, expansion of diagnostic infrastructure, and the establishment of emergency response centres across the country.
“As we deliberate, I encourage us all to focus on actionable outcomes… that will enhance preparedness not only in Nigeria and China but across the global health landscape,” he said.
The minister also emphasized that pandemic preparedness requires a collective effort beyond government.
“Let us also recognize that pandemic preparedness is not solely the responsibility of governments; it requires a whole-of-society approach,” he added.
He expressed optimism that the symposium would strengthen global partnerships and contribute to building a more resilient health system capable of responding effectively to future public health emergencies.