Just a few years ago, on New Year’s Eve 2019, the world received unsettling news of an unexplained pneumonia emerging in Wuhan, China. In the months that followed, COVID-19 rapidly evolved into a global pandemic, touching every corner of our interconnected world. Now, more than half a decade later, many people are eager to move on and forget the disruptions caused by lockdowns, social distancing, and relentless health protocols. But as recent data and expert analyses caution, putting the pandemic firmly in the past could make us vulnerable to future health crises.

The High Stakes of “Forgetting”
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and international organizations mobilized to address the urgent threat. Lockdowns and widespread testing, although burdensome, saved many lives. Yet as infections gradually declined in some regions, the collective urgency to contain the virus waned. Today, countries report vastly fewer hospitalizations and deaths compared to previous peaks. Some interpret this as evidence that the pandemic is definitively over. However, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), total COVID-19 fatalities may be at least three times higher than official counts suggest. The disease also continues to circulate worldwide, even if no longer dominating headlines.

One of the most alarming trends is the low uptake of booster vaccines. While the first mass vaccinations provided hope in 2021, only a small fraction of at-risk populations are getting recommended boosters now. The danger lies not just in overlooking vulnerable groups, but in failing to establish reliable systems that can respond to the next pandemic. Historically, after the 1918 influenza pandemic, many nations neglected to adopt lasting structures for disease surveillance and coordinated response. Scientists warn that history could repeat itself if complacency takes root.

Data Gaps and Transparency
Another hurdle highlighted by health experts is the lack of comprehensive data-sharing. Despite an array of advanced diagnostic tools, there remain large gaps in how quickly and transparently disease data is exchanged among countries. Rapid sharing of crucial information—such as how a virus spreads and potential mutations—helps scientists and policymakers form strategies to contain outbreaks.

During COVID-19’s early stages, for example, the world raced to understand how the coronavirus jumped from animals to humans. To this day, not all relevant data has been made available for global scrutiny. This lack of transparency complicates efforts to develop effective therapies and vaccines. It also hampers preparedness for new pathogens, whether they arise from wildlife markets or laboratories.

Stronger Preparedness for the Next Crisis
Scientists emphasize that pandemics are not a question of “if” but “when.” Viruses such as influenza, Ebola, and mpox have all threatened public health in recent years; climate change further exacerbates the risk by altering the habitats of disease-carrying animals and insects. Global travel and interdependent economies mean that a localized outbreak can swiftly become a worldwide concern.

To guard against future threats, international panels have recommended a legally binding agreement that would commit member states to share crucial health data and coordinate responses rapidly. Such an agreement would extend beyond mere crisis management: it would institutionalize best practices like effective surveillance, reliable communication channels, and streamlined vaccine distribution.

Valuing Scientific Collaboration
One of the silver linings from the COVID-19 pandemic was the unprecedented level of global scientific collaboration. Vaccine research broke speed records thanks to coordinated efforts among universities, pharmaceutical companies, and governments. When scientists pool their expertise, it benefits every country—especially those with fewer resources and limited health infrastructure.

However, this spirit of collaboration must not vanish alongside dwindling case numbers. Research on long-term effects of COVID-19, such as “long COVID,” is crucial to provide better care for millions of individuals still experiencing lingering symptoms. Continual research can also improve vaccine technologies (e.g., mRNA platforms) that might be adapted for future pathogens.

Lessons We Must Not Waste
COVID-19 has underscored the fragility of our global health systems. The greatest tragedy would be to dismiss these lessons just because the headlines have shifted. We must invest in robust public health infrastructure, ensure consistent funding for vaccine research, and maintain active surveillance programs. Improved public communication—so the next major health warning is not met with denial or complacency—is equally vital.

Perhaps the most critical reminder is that pandemics are not solely about pathogens; they expose and amplify inequalities. Those in low-income regions, and marginalized groups everywhere, suffered disproportionately from COVID-19. Effective preparedness, therefore, means addressing healthcare inequities by supporting universal access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments.

A Call for Collective Responsibility
COVID-19 exacted a heavy toll on lives, economies, and societies, but it also offered a rare window into how quickly the world can mobilize when sufficiently alarmed. Forgetting this hard-won lesson in preparedness puts us at risk of facing an even more devastating health crisis down the line. As we move forward, governments, institutions, and individuals must remember: ignoring a pandemic’s lessons now could leave us tragically unprepared for the next one.

Paper ▎Science