Pandemic
A limited concept for dealing with the public health emergencies that lie ahead
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 16827733 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Rosana Teresa Onocko-Campos (0000-0003-0469-5447, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)), Tiago Correia (0000-0001-6015-3314, Universidade Nova de Lisboa) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | e04722024-e04722024 |
| Publication date | 2025-01-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Ciência & Saúde Coletiva (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1413-8123 • E-ISSN: 1678-4561 |
| Publisher | FapUNIFESP (SciELO) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1590/1413-81232025306.04722024 |
| PMID | 40561317 |
| OpenAlex | W4411494520 |
| SciELO | S1413-81232025000600700 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 10 |
It is argued that there is a need to question the appropriateness of the concept of “pandemic” to enhance responses to global public health emergencies. Drawing from the context of COVID-19 and without overlooking previous outbreaks (such as H1N1 in 2009, Ebola in 2014, or Zika in 2016), attention is directed towards the symbolic, political, and sanitary power associated with pathogens attaining “pandemic” status, often at the expense of other pathogens and non-communicable diseases. This discourse invokes Susan Sontag’s notion of metaphors. Advocacy is made for the greater suitability of the term ‘Public Health Emergencies of International Concern,’ notwithstanding the need for heightened transparency and consistency in its attribution. Moreover, it is asserted that the success of fair, equitable, and integrated responses, both in the global north and south, requires much more than mere designations. What is lacking are concrete actions and commitment to health and well-being
Disease · Pandemic · Political science · Public health · COVID-19 epidemiological studies · COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research · Virology
| Highly cited | No |
|---|