Preventing another Covid-like pandemic is cheaper than we think

As per the study, the world can substantially reduce chances of another pandemic on the scale of the current outbreak by spending $260 billion to $270 billion over 10 years. This amounts to just 2% of what the current pandemic is expected to cost the world.

The report said that the world could prevent zoonotic epidemics for just about $22 to $31 billion per year. "Reduced deforestation also has the ancillary benefit of around $4 billion per year in social benefits from reduced greenhouse gas emissions, so net prevention costs range from $18 to $27 billion per year,” they argue.

The report says curbing deforestation and regulating animal trade, both of which have brought humans and livestock into greater contact with wildlife, must be prioritised to prevent pathogen transmission.“Covid-19 is the huge price society now pays for such encounters with wild species. Wildlife markets and the legal and illegal wildlife trade bring live and dead wild animals into contact with hunters, traders, consumers, and all those involved in this commerce,” the study pointed out.

The report also emphasised proper screenings of imports and warehouses that store animals will minimise spreading of diseases. Pointing out that there’s substantial underreporting of exposure to zoonotic diseases, the experts said correcting this would provide major opportunities for prevention.