KQED's Forum Science Journalist Jon Cohen on Preventing the Next Pandemic
Oct 8, 2025
Jon Cohen, Senior Correspondent at Science magazine and author of 'Planning Miracles,' discusses critical strategies for preventing future pandemics. He highlights the dangers posed by coronaviruses and influenza, and the vital role of surveillance, particularly in bats. Cohen critiques the panic-neglect cycle that undermines preparedness and emphasizes the need for quick vaccine development. Climate change and deforestation also contribute to rising pathogen risks, making innovative solutions in public health more necessary than ever.
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Speed And Equity Are Pandemic Lessons
- Operation Warp Speed showed we can develop vaccines rapidly when organized and well-funded, but 11 months was still too slow for maximal impact.
- Faster manufacturing and global equitable access remain crucial lessons from COVID-19.
Transparency And Biosecurity Both Matter
- Delays and information withholding early in the COVID outbreak hindered global response and underlined the need for transparent reporting.
- Whether lab leak or market spillover, enforcing biosecurity in both labs and wildlife trade is essential.
The Panic‑Neglect Funding Cycle
- The 'panic-neglect' cycle causes bursts of funding during crises followed by rapid withdrawal, undermining sustained pandemic prevention.
- Long-term commitment is required to maintain surveillance, vaccines, and antiviral R&D between outbreaks.
