The World Health Organization (WHO) uses the term “Disease X” to emphasize the need for global preparedness against unknown infectious diseases that could pose a serious threat to public health. It was first introduced in 2018 in the context of the WHO’s Blueprint for R&D preparedness.
In their reports, WHO specifically notes that Disease X represents a “hypothetical, unknown pathogen” that could emerge unexpectedly, causing a global outbreak or even a pandemic. Disease X is not a specific disease but a placeholder term to highlight the possibility that a new and unidentified pathogen could emerge and spread quickly across borders, as seen with diseases like COVID-19.
Key Points WHO emphasizes about Disease X:
- Preparedness and Response: The main focus is to strengthen the global health system’s ability to respond to future pandemics. This includes building robust healthcare systems, conducting research, and developing diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccines for potential future pathogens.
- Flexibility and Innovation: WHO stresses the importance of innovative strategies to detect and respond to outbreaks caused by emerging diseases. This includes rapid surveillance, data-sharing, and preparedness plans that can be adapted to unknown diseases.
- Global Collaboration: Disease X underscores the importance of international cooperation and information sharing between countries, organizations, and researchers. This global approach is necessary to ensure a coordinated response to any emerging disease that could spread globally.
- Emerging Diseases: WHO tracks known high-risk pathogens (like certain types of flu, Ebola, and Zika) and aims to understand the conditions under which new diseases might emerge, but Disease X highlights the unexpected nature of future pandemics.
