Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial, as new infectious diseases continue to emerge, underscoring the need for investment in public health infrastructure and research.

Recent outbreaks, including a new viral disease in Congo, highlight the ongoing threat of infectious diseases and the necessity for global readiness.

Australia and other countries must enhance their commitments to global pandemic preparedness based on lessons learned from the COVID-19 experience.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, which has since resulted in over 7 million deaths worldwide.

Five years later, COVID-19 continues to circulate, but vaccinations and acquired immunity have significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths.

Technological advancements in diagnostics and mRNA vaccine development position Australia well for future pandemic responses, with local manufacturing capabilities established by companies like Moderna and CSL.

The Australian government plans to establish a permanent Centre for Disease Control by January 1, 2026, building on an interim CDC currently in place.

An independent review in 2024 recommended the establishment of this Centre, which has received A$251.7 million in funding to enhance responses to infectious diseases.

Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged the slow and chaotic response to COVID-19, emphasizing the need for better pandemic preparedness.

Inefficiencies in sharing data and biological samples between Australian states hindered pandemic response efforts, highlighting areas for improvement.

Public health experts warn that Australia remains unprepared for future pandemics as the anniversary of COVID-19 approaches.

To address these concerns, a new center has been proposed to provide independent technical advice and facilitate unified data integration across states.