TED: The next outbreak? We're not ready | Bill Gates

The video discusses the shift in global catastrophe risks from nuclear war to infectious diseases, emphasizing the need for a robust epidemic response system. Using the Ebola outbreak as a case study, it highlights systemic failures and the potential for more severe future epidemics. The video draws parallels between military and epidemic preparedness, advocating for strong health systems, medical reserves, and simulations. It concludes by stressing the importance of investing in epidemic preparedness to reduce global health inequity and economic impact.

What is considered the greatest risk of global catastrophe today?

• Nuclear war

• Climate change

• Highly infectious virus

• Economic collapse

What was a major issue during the Ebola outbreak?

• Excessive media coverage

• Insufficient nuclear deterrence

• Lack of a system to manage the epidemic

• Over-reliance on technology

Which factor did NOT contribute to the limited spread of Ebola?

• Heroic work by health workers

• Nature of the virus

• Lack of urban spread

• Advanced medical technology

What is a potential source of a future virus outbreak?

• Political unrest

• Economic crisis

• Natural epidemic

• Nuclear fallout

What modern tool can help in building a good response system for epidemics?

• Nuclear weapons

• Satellite maps

• Traditional media

• Manual reporting

What is one of the key pieces needed to deal with an epidemic?

• Strong health systems in poor countries

• Increased military spending

• More nuclear weapons

• Global economic reform

What is the estimated economic impact of a worldwide flu epidemic according to the World Bank?

• $1 trillion

• $4 trillion

• $2 trillion

• $3 trillion