Vigilant biosecurity in the post-COVID-19 era: implications for biological warfare preparedness

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the unpreparedness of the global healthcare sector to combat biological threats. Several defense measures emerged during and after the pandemic to ensure the safety of people in case of similar future health hazards, including better communication systems, robust training of healthcare staff, new regional centers for disease control (CDC), faster development of medicines and vaccines, personal protective equipment (PPE), improved diagnostic techniques, and stronger policies. This article discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent defense actions taken by the healthcare sector to combat biological threats across different nations. It highlights the critical role of rapid vaccine development, advanced diagnostics, and global cooperation in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the need for a robust healthcare infrastructure, continuous innovation, and international collaboration to minimize mortality in future pandemics and biological warfare scenarios. Key lessons from COVID-19 underscore the importance of preparedness, policy reform, and technological integration in strengthening global biosecurity. The review concludes with recommendations for future research and policy directions to enhance resilience against biological threats.