Beyond borders

surveillance, they should be part of a global surveillance network.

Much of the economic devastation brought by COVID-19 could have been averted. Pandemic preparedness is one of the most rewarding investments leaders could ever make, and should be a priority for finance ministers around the world. The cost will be billions –but still only a fraction of the trillions the COVID-19 pandemic has cost so far. This is a matter of self-interest, going beyond aid. It is an investment in national health, economic stability and innovation.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a telltale sign of how the world will address the shared challenges of this century, from climate change to drug-resistant infections and future energy needs. We must use crises like these to come out of them better. If governments, scientists and the private sector can work together, we can create a blueprint for these shared challenges and reduce inequalities for generations to come. Leaders have a choice to make. It is one that will help to define the 21st century. ▪

Sir Jeremy Farrar

Sir Jeremy Farrar joined Wellcome as director in 2013. He is a member of the UK government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, the UK Vaccine Taskforce and the Principles Group of the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, and chairs the World Health Organization’s R&D Blueprint Advisory Group. In 2018 he received the President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian of the Year Award and in 2019 was knighted for services to global health.

Twitter @JeremyFarrar

Caroline Schmutte

Caroline Schmutte joined Wellcome in 2018 to lead its German office, which expanded in 2021 to become Wellcome’s European office. From 2013 to 2018, she led the German office of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She previously worked as a private sector development specialist at World Bank Group and engagement manager at McKinsey.

Twitter @CaSchmutte @wellcometrust

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