Written By: Rtr. Umayanga Kavindini

How useful is it to observe the 27th December as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness in a post-pandemic world?

On 7th December 2020, due to the coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic, the United Nations declared a separate International Day for Epidemic Preparedness to highlight the importance of preparedness to face possible future pandemics. 

But what really is expected from this “International Day of Epidemic Preparedness” ?

The day is to encourage every individual, every institute, and every government to act in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national contexts and priorities through education and awareness-raising activities in order to highlight the importance of the prevention of preparedness for, and partnership against epidemics. 

We all know from experience that epidemics are disastrous, since the whole world suffered a lot due to COVID-19. Undoubtedly, epidemics impact on human lives because most of the pandemics are fatal. It overwhelms the health systems, disrupts long-term social and economic development, disrupts global supply chains, and causes social breakdowns leading to the collapse of entire nations.

That is why the preparedness for epidemics is important. 

In the absence of international attention, future epidemics could surpass previous outbreaks in terms of intensity and severity. 

Are all these costs even worth it, if we could just have faced a future pandemic with much more preparedness with more public awareness and with a strengthened health care system?

Obviously, pandemic outbreaks are uncertain and unpredictable, and no one can exactly predict when the next epidemic will occur. But the preparedness matters.

So by declaring a separate “International Day for Epidemic Preparedness,” the World Health Organization aims to effectively prevent and respond to epidemics, raising public awareness, exchanging information, scientific knowledge, and best practices, providing quality education, and advocating for epidemic prevention and responses.

To face epidemics, it is essential that health systems are equipped for the unexpected, and shared knowledge can speed up global responses. Also awareness can reduce the spread and the impact of the disease. 

Because proper planning today safeguards the future of all. But awareness alone is insufficient without meaningful action. Effective observation of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness must therefore transform awareness into action. While commemorating the day, rather than making it only symbolic, organizations, governments, and societies must take stock of their levels of preparedness and make commitments to improve them.

Graphic Design by: Rtr. Buthma Menali