X Diseases – Challenges and Prevention Strategy

Prof. Gao emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and preparedness for “Disease X,” highlighting physical, mental, and social health as key components of overall well-being. He discusses lessons learned from past pandemics, including COVID-19, and stresses the need for pathogen surveillance, basic research, experimental models, and innovative vaccine strategies such as AI-designed nano-cage vaccines and mucosal interventions. He introduces the concept of “infodemiology” to study the interplay of biological and social epidemics, and highlights the necessity of global cooperation, communication, and coordination to tackle future unknown pathogens. Overall, the talk underscores that science, public health, and society must work together to anticipate and respond to emerging infectious threats.