Lack of preparedness for epidemics

There is no global plan to counter the threat of epidemics. No international body is prepared to deal with the consequences of an infectious disease with no vaccine, no cure, and a high mortality rate.

The World Health Organization, which once led the campaign to eradicate smallpox, has in recent years cut by as much as 90 per cent the budget it allocates to the elimination of infectious diseases. Despite the increase in epidemics in recent years, the WHO's prevention and control programmes have been continuously reduced.