A panel of former US health officials warns that the nation remains unprepared for future pandemics, noting declines in testing for rare diseases, gaps in outbreak prevention expertise, and slipping public trust amid rampant misinformation.

Experts call for faster release of information, tailored communication strategies for diverse audiences, and long-term resilience through investing in public health systems to prevent and mitigate outbreaks.

Personal stories from relatives affected by COVID-19 highlight the human toll and reinforce commitment to sustained public health investment and preparedness policies.

There are concerns that federal leadership is weakening as state, local, and international partners assume more responsibility, underscoring the need to strengthen national public health infrastructure and collaboration.

While advances like mRNA vaccines were pivotal, funding cuts and misinformation threaten continued progress and readiness for future threats.

Domestic vaccination efforts and global distribution were hampered by planning gaps, supply shortages such as syringes, and inequities, undermining trust with international partners and delaying global vaccination.

Misinformation online, amplified by social media, remains a central barrier to effective outbreak communication and trust, necessitating proactive pre-bunking and clear messaging about uncertainty.