The World Health Organization (WHO) warns there is an increased risk that insect -borne pathogens including Zika and dengue could trigger further outbreaks.
Arboviruses such as Zika, yellow fever, Chikungunya and dengue are a group of pathogens spread by arthropods such as mosquitoes and fleas.
They top the list for the next potential outbreak that could escalate into a pandemic, especially in the tropics and sub-tropics that are now a public health threat.
According to the WHO, experts are working to devise strategies to prevent infections such as Covid-19 from recurring again.
Dr Sylvie Briand, director of the Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness team at WHO said in a briefing on Thursday that they were aware of the impact that would be experienced if not prepared for a high-impact situation after more than two years of Covid-19.
Although the WHO has had experience from Sars disease in 2003 and influenza outbreaks in 2009, there are still shortcomings in their preparedness.
Since 2016 more than 89 countries have faced a Zika outbreak, while the risk of yellow fever has increased since the early 2000s. While dengue fever infects 390 million people in 130 countries each year, where it can cause dengue fever and death.
World health experts have met for the launch of the WHO’s new Global Arbovirus Initiative, which aims to work together in tackling insect-borne threats together.
