Dr. Amrullah Shidiki is an Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology at Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Center. With a strong foundation in microbial science and medical education, he is dedicated to advancing diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease research. His academic and clinical contributions reflect a commitment to improving healthcare standards and training the next generation of medical professionals.

His research focuses on multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and ESKAPE pathogens. He is also engaged in research on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Nepalese medicinal plants and their antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. His work aims to contribute to improved infectious disease diagnosis, antimicrobial stewardship, and the development of novel antimicrobial strategies in Nepal.

Mr. Shidiki has participated in several national and international scientific conferences and is actively involved in collaborative research and grant development. He is committed to advancing microbiological research and strengthening laboratory capacity to address emerging public health challenges.

Emerging Pathogens and Global Healthcare Systems: Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness Through Resilient and Equitable Health Strategies

The arrival and return of new pathogens pose one of the most urgent challenges facing global healthcare systems in the twenty-first century. Fueled by escalating factors like climate change, swift urbanization, global travel, deforestation, and increased interactions between humans and animals, new infectious diseases encompassing novel coronaviruses, filoviruses, arboviral infections, and antimicrobial-resistant organisms — have shown an unmatched ability to overcome geographic and species barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic, triggered by SARS-CoV-2, highlighted how one emerging pathogen can incapacitate essential healthcare systems, disrupt supply chains, reveal systemic inequalities in health resource allocation, and lead to widespread social and economic turmoil worldwide. In addition to pandemic-level occurrences, pathogens that are endemic or prone to outbreaks, including Ebola virus, Nipah virus, Monkeypox (Mpox), and bacteria resistant to multiple drugs, persist in putting pressure on surveillance systems and healthcare resources, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This abstract evaluates the main factors contributing to pathogen emergence, analyzes their varying effects on the resilience and equity of healthcare systems, and explores the effectiveness of current global health frameworks — such as the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and the One Health approach in addressing these dangers. We contend that enhancing pandemic readiness necessitates cohesive, multi-sector approaches that include early-warning surveillance systems, strong laboratory infrastructure, fair access to vaccines and therapeutics, and ongoing investment in the global healthcare workforce capacity. Tackling the issue of emerging pathogens requires not only scientific advancements but also a renewed political dedication to multilateral collaboration and the enhancement of health systems as global public assets.