Disease X,’ has been enlisted by The World Health Organization (WHO) in its list of diseases which are most concerning to humankind.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General showed concern and waned  that the world should be prepared for yet another pandemic which would be much more severe than covid-19.

The WHO coined the term Disease X in 2018 to signify an unknown hazard to human health, a riddle that medical research has yet to solve. With the possibility of its appearance as a virus, bacteria, fungus, or other unknown agent, the disquieting fact that we may be unprepared, without medicines and therapies to resist its destructive impact looms.

Public health experts think that the next Disease X might be zoonotic in nature, beginning in wild or domestic animals before infecting people. This trend has already been observed in Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19 epidemics. There are also fears that bioterrorism may be the source of the next pandemic, adding another degree of complexity and unpredictability.

Increasing research and development activities becomes critical in the face of this unexpected and potentially devastating future illness. WHO has showed concern and the need to develop a robust global procedure to deal with and respond to emergency situations.

The lessons of Covid-19 emphasize the significance of preparedness, solid healthcare systems, and international collaboration in mitigating the severe consequences of future health crises.

As Disease X lurks in the shadows of uncertainty, scientists, researchers, and politicians must stay attentive and united to strengthen pandemic preparation, assuring a rapid, thorough, scientific response.

(Source:https://www.financialexpress.com/healthcare/disease-x-explained-world-health-organisation-pandemic/3102326/)