The global health landscape faces a daunting set of challenges in 2025, with an array of infectious diseases posing significant threats. Among them are Avian flu, Norovirus, Human metapneumovirus, Oropouche fever, and the persistent shadow of COVID-19. Compounding the issue is a concerning decline in vaccination rates in the United States, leading to resurgences of illnesses like whooping cough. At a recent panel hosted by Ethnic Media Services, leading health experts shared their insights into these crises and examined the nation’s readiness to tackle them.
Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, an infectious diseases expert, noted the multifaceted challenges facing public health. “Climate change is a major driver,” she explained, emphasizing how shifting weather patterns and environmental disruptions create fertile conditions for diseases to spread unpredictably. Climate-related disasters further strain healthcare systems, affecting medical supplies and increasing antibiotic use, while simultaneously exacerbating vulnerabilities to infectious diseases.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong highlighted the resurgence of influenza, particularly Avian flu, which is impacting both human and animal populations. “Influenza is back in full force, and with anti-science sentiment rising, fewer people are utilizing available vaccines,” he said. This lack of trust in vaccines, compounded by misinformation, leaves populations increasingly vulnerable to preventable diseases.
Dr. Benjamin Newman voiced concerns about the broader implications of declining vaccination rates, particularly among adults. “We’re losing the safety net of herd immunity,” he warned. “Even required vaccines for school children are under threat, potentially undoing decades of public health progress.”
The panelists pointed to climate change as a key factor exacerbating respiratory illnesses. Extreme weather events force people indoors, creating close quarters where viruses like RSV, COVID-19, and influenza can spread more easily. Dr. William Schaffner noted that schools, where children often act as “distribution hubs” for viruses, are particularly susceptible.
“Climate change accelerates the spread of these diseases,” Schaffner said. “Our emergency rooms are already full of patients battling respiratory illnesses, and the situation is only getting worse.”
Dr. Bhadelia stressed the importance of international cooperation in managing global health crises. She referenced her work during the Biden administration, which focused on global vaccine distribution through programs like PEPFAR and partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO). These efforts, she argued, have been vital in detecting and addressing emerging pathogens.
However, geopolitical isolation poses a serious risk. The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO during the Trump administration undermined its ability to participate in global health security efforts, and similar actions could have devastating consequences. “The WHO serves as a critical platform for data sharing and technical expertise,” Bhadelia said. “If we isolate ourselves, we lose access to that network, and it will be to our own peril.”
Experts agreed that the U.S. must prioritize investment in public health infrastructure, research, and global partnerships. Innovations like synthetic biology and artificial intelligence offer promising tools for combating future pandemics, but only if resources and attention are maintained.
“COVID-19 revealed significant gaps in our healthcare systems,” Bhadelia concluded. “If we fail to address these vulnerabilities, we will struggle to manage both domestic and international public health challenges.”