(Source-medicalxpress.com)
Yuen Kwok-yung, a renowned Hong Kong researcher and doctor known for his battle against the most dangerous viruses, has issued a stark warning: a new pandemic is inevitable, and it could cause far greater devastation than Covid-19(corona virus). His alarming prediction underscores the urgent need for global readiness.
A Grim Forecast
“If you are anxious, do not read the following lines,” Yuen cautions. This prominent scientist, often likened to American expert Anthony Fauci, warns that another pandemic is not just possible but likely, and it could strike sooner than we expect. “The general public and leaders need to acknowledge that another pandemic will come, and probably sooner than we think,” Yuen said in an interview at Queen Mary Hospital, where he works and teaches.
Yuen points to rapid geopolitical, economic, and climate changes as catalysts for his dire prediction. He emphasizes that politicians must urgently address these “global existential threats.” In his autobiography, My Life in Medicine, A Hong Kong Journey, he calls for world leaders to “come to their senses” and prioritize these looming risks over national or regional interests.
A Legacy of Fighting Viruses
Yuen Kwok-yung’s credentials are formidable. He graduated in medicine in 1981 and rose to prominence in 2003 when he and his team isolated and identified the corona virus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). This breakthrough was crucial in developing tests, diagnostics, and treatments for the disease, which originated in southern China and Hong Kong before spreading globally.
Yuen’s experience with SARS was invaluable when Covid-19 (corona virus) struck. Despite Hong Kong’s initial struggles, including a low vaccination rate among the elderly, Yuen’s expertise helped guide the city through the pandemic. “We had the benefit of 20 years of study after the SARS outbreak,” he writes. Preventative measures bought time for vaccine development, though factors such as fear, ignorance, poor communication, and misinformation still posed significant challenges.
Impact of Covid-19 (corona virus) in Hong Kong
Despite strict lockdowns and prolonged quarantines, Hong Kong recorded approximately 3 million Covid-19 (corona virus) cases, affecting about half of its population, and more than 13,800 deaths. It was a challenging period for Yuen, who became a prominent government advisor and authored over 100 peer-reviewed studies on the virus.
Last year, Yuen formed the Alliance for Pandemic Research with counterparts in mainland China and the United States. This initiative aims to share information and research on potential future threats. “It’s a bad idea to stop or prevent these exchanges because they protect everyone,” Yuen said. “If we don’t talk about it … and another pandemic happens, we will have to pay a heavy price again.”
Yuen Kwok-yung’s warning serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing threat posed by emerging infectious diseases. His call to action highlights the necessity for global cooperation and preparedness in addressing the multifaceted challenges that contribute to pandemic risk. As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of Covid-19 (corona virus), Yuen’s expertise and foresight offer invaluable guidance for preventing future crises.
