HIV Pioneer Robert C. Gallo Advocates for Enhanced Pandemic Preparedness

In a compelling call to action, Dr. Robert C. Gallo, a renowned HIV researcher and co-founder of the Global Virus Network, emphasizes the urgent need for improved pandemic preparedness in light of declining investment in medical research. In an opinion piece published on July 22, 2025, Gallo warns that recent cuts to funding for global health and surveillance leave the world vulnerable as new viral threats emerge.

Gallo, who also serves as a professor at the University of South Florida, reflects on the lessons learned from the HIV epidemic—an event that reshaped global health policies and underscored the importance of robust research infrastructure. "HIV taught the world that a single virus can reshape the trajectory of global health," Gallo notes, recalling the initial skepticism he faced in the 1980s regarding the identification of HIV as the cause of AIDS. This skepticism, he argues, contributed to a false sense of security that led to a decline in infectious disease expertise and funding.

The current global landscape presents several emerging threats, most notably the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has recently begun to infect mammals, including humans. According to a 2023 study published in *The Lancet Regional Health—Americas*, the virus has already resulted in the culling of over 168 million poultry in the U.S., reaching all 50 states and causing more than 70 human infections, including one confirmed death. Gallo stresses that while H5N1 has not yet mutated for human-to-human transmission, the potential is there, highlighting the necessity for enhanced surveillance, particularly at the intersection of human and animal health.

Gallo argues that investment in pandemic preparedness is not just beneficial but essential. "If you invest more, progress comes sooner. If you invest less, it comes later," he states. His comments are supported by recent U.S. initiatives that have allocated $1 billion toward biosecurity and vaccine development, though he asserts that such funding must be viewed as just the beginning of a sustained commitment to public health.

The rapid development of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies both the possibilities of modern science and the challenges that remain. Gallo calls for continued public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration to ensure that upcoming threats are met with urgency and innovation. He underscores the importance of genomic monitoring and data sharing, referencing a study from *Nature Communications* that revealed only about 0.5% of COVID-19 cases were sequenced globally, significantly below recommended levels for effective variant detection.

The implications of inaction are stark; Gallo points out that early missteps in responding to COVID-19 cost the global economy an estimated $16 trillion. He emphasizes that trust in science, along with ongoing investment in research, are critical to navigating future health crises.

As the world grapples with the lessons of the past, Gallo's call for renewed focus on pandemic preparedness serves as a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance in public health. His insights reflect a broader consensus among health experts that investment in research and innovation is vital to safeguard against the next viral threat, ultimately advocating for an integrated approach to global health that prioritizes sustained funding and collaborative efforts across nations.

In conclusion, the future of global health preparedness hinges not only on scientific advancements but also on the willingness of governments, organizations, and the public to invest in the necessary infrastructure and trust that will allow science to do its job effectively. As Gallo aptly states, "Science has given us the tools to detect, understand, and mitigate HIV and has produced record-breaking vaccines for COVID-19. But science can’t do it alone. It needs support, investment, and trust."