Airborne Quote by Margaret Chan
“Everyone needs to remember that Ebola was not a worst-case scenario. Preparedness for the future means preparedness for a very severe disease that spreads via the airborne route or can be transmitted during the incubation period, before an infected person shows telltale signs of illness.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: WHO Director‑General remarks on pandemic preparedness, 2014
Ebola showed that even severe diseases can be less deadly than worst‑case expectations, so planning must target even more transmissible, airborne threats.
In simple terms: Prepare for worse than Ebola, especially airborne diseases.
Key Takeaway
Plan for the worst‑case airborne pandemics.
Themes
public health
preparedness
pandemic response
risk assessment
Mood
cautious
proactive
Type
policy
strategic
warningational
When to use this quote
- hospital infection control
- air travel screening
- community surveillance
- vaccine development
Key Concepts
epidemiology
risk modeling
early detection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance resources between current threats and potential worst‑case pandemics?
- What early‑warning systems could detect airborne spread before symptoms appear?
A Different Perspective
Assuming worst‑case scenarios may cause over‑allocation of resources away from current needs.
![“The possible impact of the virus [Zika] an extraordinary event and a public health threat to other parts of the world.” quote by Margaret Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac2/margaret-chan-13176_events_the-possible-impact-of-the-virus-zika-an_305193.jpg)
