Challenge
Throughout history, science and research has played a fundamental role in combatting deadly diseases that have threatened people and communities across the world
During the devastating and uncertain times at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, science gave the world hope that we would see better days and humanity could be saved. And it delivered across a wide range of research areas – including the delivery of effective vaccines and treatments in record time.
However – post-pandemic – it’s key that the scientific community continues to work together across the globe in a co-ordinated and strategic way to combat emerging pathogen threats such as Mpox as well as building on platforms and lessons learned during COVID-19 – to thwart the next pandemic.
Solution
The WHO briefed us to edit and design a report to showcase the life-saving impact of different fields of research in the battle against deadly diseases which cause epidemics and pandemics worldwide.
It was important that the design and the narrative balanced authority and credibility with the human, real world impact of science.
The publication showed how global science and research helped end the COVID-19 pandemic by:
- delivering life-saving vaccines in record time
- identifying how the virus was transmitted
- providing vital evidence that underpinned infection prevention and control measures – such as the most effective PPE to wear etc.
- informing the public and policymakers about variants – their transmissibility, virulence and how best to protect ourselves.
The report also presented critical advances in research related to other significant pathogens beyond COVID-19 that pose substantial threats.
Today, we stand at a crossroads in shaping global resilience, preparedness and response strategies for the next major epidemic or pandemic.
Underlining this, the report stated:
‘… it’s critical that we assimilate the lessons learned from the pandemic and harness the wealth of research knowledge, platforms and collaborative frameworks forged during the COVID-19 crisis to help protect the world from future threats.’
And it included 10 critical steps for research and innovation to help keep the world safe in the future. These were debated by the world’s leading scientists and researchers at the ‘Global Research and Innovation Forum’ hosted by WHO in October 2023.
Impact
The Global Forum was attended by the world’s leading scientists and researchers.
Feedback from speakers and attendees showed that the report provided an excellent benchmark & record for what research has achieved in the area – but at the same time underlining what still needs to be done to protect the world from future bacterial and viral threats.