World unprepared for biological catastrophe, report says

International leaders and organizations are unprepared for a global catastrophic biological event, according to a report from Georgetown University’s Center for Global Health Science and Security, the Center for Global Development, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

Leaders and organizations lack a coordinated response that would be necessary to investigate and identify a pathogen, prevent the spread of disease, and save lives.

“Without the right procedures and tools in place, there is little doubt that a rapidly spreading biological event would place overwhelming stress on the people and institutions responsible for response,” the report said. “The lack of established procedures would very likely undermine the trust and cooperation needed among health professionals, humanitarian responders, and security officials who would be aiming for a coordinated, effective response.”

Leaders must develop better systems, mechanisms, and procedures, the report said.

The report, A Spreading Plague: Lessons and Recommendation for Responding to a Deliberate Biological Event, examines a fictional nation called “Vestia” that is embroiled in civil unrest. Vestia faces a fast-moving outbreak of what is believed to be plague. Political, public health, security, and humanitarian leaders all lack a coordinated and rapid response, the report said.

The report also offers ways to enhance investigation and attribution, information sharing, and international coordination, and to increase financing.