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The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) has warned that the next pandemic will likely be caused by climate change.
A 10-year strategy document released by UKHSA on Tuesday outlines how to strengthen government planning, resources and responses to the impact of global warming on human health.
The Science Strategy cites research showing that over 200 infectious diseases and dozens of non-communicable diseases are already being exacerbated by climate change.
Rising temperatures risk moving insect-borne diseases further away from the tropics, while severe droughts in some parts of the world are forcing animal and human populations to live in closer density. , increasing the risk of zoonotic and animal-to-human transmission. COVID19. Increased flood risk also has direct implications for public health.
The UKHSA strategy states: “From a climate change perspective, we know new pandemics are coming.
“We can prevent much of the damage from threats to health. But this is not possible without concerted efforts, good science and innovative technology.
“UKHSA will lead the UK’s efforts to address WHO’s most pressing health challenges of the decade, including some of the most pressing health security threats we face.
“Infectious diseases, climate and environmental threats know no borders. Global collaboration is paramount to protect against common threats.”
Last year, the agency that spearheaded Britain’s fight against COVID-19 set up a new Climate and Health Safety Centre. The center will be the focus of research and planning on the impact of global warming on human health.
Last summer’s record heat of over 40 degrees Celsius was linked to 3,000 excess deaths that year, according to UKHSA.
A World Economic Forum report earlier this year warned that six of the 10 most serious risks to human health are from the environment.
The UKHSA strategy comes just days after the WHO announced that the COVID-19 pandemic had effectively ended and that it was no longer a public health emergency of international concern.
British science experts and ministers are stepping up preparations for future pandemics after criticism that the government’s initial response to the 2020 coronavirus was slow.
The ten-year strategy promises to build capacity “across a range of health security scenarios, from novel pathogen X to radiation accidents.”
Plans for the next decade see UKHSA’s successes in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including genomic surveillance that has enabled the rapid identification and analysis of new variants, and its role in supporting the development and deployment of a COVID-19 vaccine. It will build on what is being done. Data analysis with Covid dashboard.
The plan sets out “how UKHSA science can save more lives, ensure health and prosperity and contribute to Britain’s ambition to become a global science powerhouse”.
UKHSA Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Isabel Oliver said: “We will enable the rapid development and evaluation of diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics with genomic data that will enable rapid identification and characterization of variants during the COVID-19 pandemic. I saw the technology with my own eyes.”
“Science is at the heart of the global response and has helped us understand the virus, how best to protect ourselves and ultimately how to live safely with it. Working with partners to develop our unique scientific capabilities to protect lives and livelihoods from the health threats we face today and those we will detect, prevent and control in the future. We will expand.”
UKHSA Chief Executive Professor Dame Jenny Harries said: “The UK Health and Safety Agency protects communities from the effects of infectious diseases, chemicals, radiation and other environmental health hazards.
“Our diverse scientific capabilities and partnerships are the foundation of our work and underpin everything we do. While we work to protect, our new strategy will ensure that the UK is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to all current and future health threats, ensuring the best possible health. We will ensure the above achievements and further prosperity of the country.”
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: “Cutting-edge science will continue to power through the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect people from potential future health threats.” Stated.
“UKHSA’s new science strategy will ensure that the UK remains one of the world’s leading science powerhouses, while protecting people from disease, reducing pressure on NHS services and reducing waiting lists are government priorities. will help us achieve the
