“At a regular scientific meeting of EODY, the recent announcement of the World Health Organization (WHO) was discussed unknown disease X and the risk of a new pandemic,” says EODY in his statement.

EODY emphasizes that in its announcement the WHO, in addition to the finding that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a global emergency – but continues to pose a threat to public health – mentions a list of pathogens known to science with pandemic potential, such as for example the Ebola virus or avian influenza viruses. The WHO additionally refers to the possibility of a new pandemic being caused by a supposed and “unknown disease X”, which has not yet been identified.

“WHO announcements about known and unknown possible causes of a future pandemic are useful to interpret and communicate in the appropriate way to be part of vigilance and preparedness, but much more of the will and commitment of all actors involved to deal with a known or of a possible new threat to public health”, concludes the EODY announcement.