Five years after COVID-19 declared a state of emergency by the World Health Organization, Jennifer Nuzzo, Director of the Pandemic Center and professor of epidemiology, delivered a lecture on “Pandemic-Proofing the Future.” The event, which took place at a Presidential Faculty Award Lecture, highlighted the importance of better preparing for future pandemics.
Nuzzo argued that pandemics are not once-in-a-century events but rather require proactive measures to prevent them. She pointed to the emergence of H5N1, or bird flu, as a case study. If it were to spread among humans, Nuzzo warned it could lead to another pandemic.
However, with proper preparation and education, future pandemics can be prevented. Nuzzo emphasized the need to redefine public health education, making people aware of the importance of being prepared for and responding to public health crises.
She also stressed the importance of bipartisan support for research funding and collaboration between the public and private sectors in responding to public health emergencies. Nuzzo’s message was met with enthusiasm from students, who felt hopeful about the future despite the challenges posed by pandemics.
The lecture was well-received by attendees, including Dean Ashish Jha, who praised Nuzzo’s presentation for its unique multidisciplinary approach. The event marked a significant step forward in promoting preparedness and response to pandemics.
Source: https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025/03/pandemic-center-director-offers-advice-for-future-pandemic-preparedness