Orbis Signal · Health
May 24, 2026 · Evening edition
A report from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) published earlier in May 2026 warns that the world is not better protected against future pandemics and is, in some respects, "moving backwards" on preparedness despite lessons learned from COVID-19.
The GPMB report outlines priorities for achieving a pandemic-resilient future and was cited by WHO leadership during the closing of the World Health Assembly, where the WHO Director-General urged urgent action on pandemic preparedness.
The assessment emphasises gaps in global readiness and calls for accelerated implementation of measures to strengthen surveillance, health systems, and international coordination.
Reporting and source material for this article are dated May 24, 2026.