Pandemics: Lessons from the Past for the Future

Ebrahim  Ghaderi; Ghobad  Moradi; Mostafa  Salehi-Vaziri; Manoochehr  Karami; Ehsan  Mostafavi

doi:10.18502/ijre.v21i3.20508

Ebrahim Ghaderi Zoonoses Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Ghobad Moradi Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri Associated Professor, Department of Arboviruses and Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
Manoochehr Karami Professor, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ehsan Mostafavi Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, WHO Collaborating Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijre.v21i3.20508

Keywords: Pandemic, Zoonoses, Communicable diseases

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Over the past century, multiple pandemics have caused the deaths of millions and inflicted serious harm upon the global economy, and humanity is still concerned about the emergence of future pandemics. This paper aims to provide an overview of the upcoming challenges in public health by reviewing previous pandemics and threats, examining past experiences, and analyzing current conditions.

Methods: In this non-systematic review, the Google Scholar search engine was searched using suitable keywords, and studies relevant to the subject were selected.

Results: With increasing population and closer human interactions, the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases is felt more than in the past. The existence of thousands of pathogens in wildlife, along with the impacts of climate change, globalization, lifestyle, hunting, and environmental destruction, raises the probability of human exposure to these agents. If these encounters lead to genetic changes in pathogens and create new species, the risk of emerging and transmissible diseases to humans will increase. In addition to natural factors, human-related factors including bioterrorism and drug resistance (while not considered direct human actions, they result from human misconduct) must also be considered.

Conclusion: Among various pathogenic microorganisms, viruses are highlighted as the principal agents of future pandemics due to their ability for rapid mutation, persistence in wildlife reservoirs, and the lack of effective preventive and therapeutic tools. What is crucial for countries is to utilize the lessons learned from previous pandemics to increase preparedness through strengthening health systems, employing the one health strategy, and mobilizing all capacities for future pandemics