Experts Warn of Looming H5N1 Pandemic, Urge Swift Global Action
More than 40 top virologists have issued a stark warning over the rising threat of an H5N1 bird flu pandemic, calling for urgent global action to avert a crisis potentially deadlier than COVID-19.
In a report published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, members of the Global Virus Network (GVN) said the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is evolving and edging closer to efficient human-to-human transmission.
The virus, which primarily infects birds, has in recent years begun spreading to mammals such as pigs and cattle—raising red flags about the risk of crossover to humans. While only a few human cases have been recorded, the virus currently has a fatality rate of about 50 percent.
“We are at a critical point,” the experts warned. “If H5N1 gains the ability to spread effectively among humans, the world could face a pandemic far more lethal than COVID-19.”
The GVN cited weaknesses in pandemic preparedness, poor surveillance at the animal-human interface, and slow genomic data sharing as key concerns. The group’s 10-point action plan urges global leaders to accelerate vaccine development, enhance outbreak surveillance, and strengthen farm biosecurity.
Christian Bréchot, President of the GVN, emphasized that influenza viruses are notorious for mutating and crossing species barriers. He warned that co-infection with seasonal flu could lead to a highly contagious new strain.
“We can’t afford to be complacent,” Mr Bréchot said. “The virus may appear mild in animals, but history shows it can be deadly in humans.”
The report stressed the need for coordinated international response, warning that fragmented efforts will be inadequate to contain the threat.
Nigerian experts echoed the concerns, urging the federal government to step up surveillance, particularly in high-risk zones like live bird markets and abattoirs.
“If Nigeria is caught off guard, our fragile health system could be overwhelmed,” said Abuja-based virologist Ifeanyi Okeke. He called for government collaboration with global partners to ensure inclusion in vaccine stockpiling and genomic tracking.
“The clock is ticking,” the GVN warned. “Delaying action now could cost millions of lives later.”
(NAN)
