Jennifer B. Nuzzo: 3 ways to prepare society for the next pandemic

3 ways to prepare society for the next pandemic

What if we treated the risk of pandemics the same way we treat the risk of fires? In this eye-opening talk, infectious disease epidemiologist Jennifer B. Nuzzo unpacks how the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 sparked a cultural shift in how we defend against fires -- and explains why pandemics demand the same sort of reaction. She breaks down the data we need to gather when facing possible danger, the drills we need to ready ourselves and the defenses that could keep future threats at bay -- so next time, we're prepared.

Major disasters often spark lasting change, as seen after the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904, when cities standardized fire safety and prevention. Pandemics require a similar approach, yet inconsistent data, crumbling public health systems, and a lack of trust continue to leave societies exposed. Rather than hoping for a return to pre-pandemic normal, the focus must shift to building robust systems for data, drills, and defense. Only proactive, collective action can prevent future outbreaks from becoming uncontrollable crises.