Outbreak Response – Pitfalls we can manage

Prof. Fisher provides a comprehensive overview of outbreak response, sharing lessons from COVID-19 and past infectious disease emergencies. They emphasize the four pillars of pandemic management: preparedness, readiness, response, and recovery, and highlight the growing complexity of outbreak response, including coordination, vaccination, laboratory diagnostics, mental health, and risk communication.

Effective pandemic response requires whole-of-government leadership, rapid research translation, and global collaboration, especially as international funding and resources fluctuate. The speaker also discusses the creation of a master’s course and comprehensive textbook to formalize outbreak preparedness as a recognized discipline, ensuring future professionals are equipped with evidence-based strategies.