The intricacies and uncertainties inherent in infectious disease outbreaks underscore the critical need for thorough preparedness to promptly and efficiently address the impending epidemics. On November 4th, Panel I of the 3rd World Health Forum, themed "Pandemic Preparedness," hold as schedule. This discussion centered around two major topics: "Strengthening Health System Construction and Technology" and "Social Mobilization and Preparedness." Approaching the challenges of the next infectious disease pandemic from a multidisciplinary and multi-dimensional perspective, experts delved into warning system construction, technical reserves, partnerships, and social mobilization strategies.

Theme 1: Strengthening Health System Construction and Technology

Moderated by Cheng Feng, assistant dean of VSPH and vice dean of Tsinghua Institute for Healthy China, the first session commenced with a presentation by Liang Wannian, executive vice dean of VSPH and dean of Tsinghua Institute for Healthy China. Liang's report, titled "Collaborative Innovation: Promoting Passive Response and Active Challenges to Pandemics," emphasized the urgency of prioritizing pandemic preparedness. He highlighted existing gaps in science, technology, management, and supply chains, advocating for the integration of academia, research, and practical application at the grassroots level.

Tom Frieden, president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, and former director of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, discussed "Strengthening Sentinel Surveillance and Early Warning of Epidemics." He underlined the need for revitalizing public health, reinforcing primary healthcare, and cultivating resilient individuals and communities to prevent pandemic.

Bi Jingquan, member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), deputy director of the Economic Affairs Committee of the CPPCC and executive vice chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, stressed the significance of bolstering the three-tiered healthcare network revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He proposed strengthening the construction of grassroots medical and healthcare institutions, optimizing healthcare payment models, improving the quality of healthcare human resources, and augmenting the income of medical personnel through diverse channels.

Xu Jianguo, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, director of the National Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention and director of the Research Institute of Public Health at Nankai University, shared an online report titled "Discovering Pathogens Before an Epidemic." He underscored the imperative to transition from passive to active epidemic prevention, assess the medical and public health significance of new microorganisms, and mitigate the risks posed by infectious diseases to humans.

Following keynote speeches, panelists and invited speakers, including Prof. Zhang Linqi from School of Medicine at Tsinghua University and Prof. Kam Yin Chan from the University of New South Wales, Australia, engaged in a discussion session moderated by Assistant Professor Li Guanqiao of VSPH.

Theme 2: Social Mobilization and Preparedness

The second session, moderated by Assistant Professor Luo Sitong of VSPH, focused on mobilizing all social sectors for pandemic preparedness.

Rob Moodie, professor from the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne highlighted the staggering costs and scale of pandemics, the necessity to monitor business practices and establish a rational public health system.

Teo Yik Ying, dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, emphasized the need for governments to draw lessons from past experiences, leverage global health system responses, and enhance laboratory capabilities and individual resilience in preparation for future pandemics.

Zhong Dongbo, secretary of the Party Committee of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, shared insights into Beijing's experiences and shortcomings in epidemic prevention and control. He advocated for a comprehensive monitoring system responding to pandemics, with special attention to the role of culture.

David Bishai, dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong, stated that effectively addressing pandemics necessitates social mobilization, the establishment of health resilience, fostering collective health awareness, investing in the development of public health talent, and empowering the government to fulfill its public health functions.

Martin Taylor, WHO Representative in China, participated via a video speech and stressed the persistent threat of viruses to human health. He called for rebuilding health systems based on primary healthcare and early warning systems, and promoting cooperation among all parties and countries to create a healthier and safer world.

Following the speeches, Qiao Jianrong, Jin Pingyue, and Li Yunchun participated in discussions which explored the mobilization of relevant parties for preparedness from their respective fields.