Public fear impact of another global health emergency

Following a year living through the coronavirus pandemic, people in the UK are concerned about the potential impact of future crises, which presents a unique window for positive change to happen.

A new poll from the British Red Cross reveals that nearly three quarters of UK adults worry about how a future pandemic could affect them. The survey results show that 75 per cent say they are concerned about the global impact of a future health emergency like a pandemic, while 71 per cent are concerned about the impact of a personal health crisis on themselves or their family.

A similar number are concerned about the impact of access to health and social care throughout the UK as the world opens up again while 76 per cent of UK adults agree that the UK needs to address the underlying inequalities that impact the ability of people to cope and recover from a crisis.

Looking at the wider impact of crises often perceived to be more acute in other parts of the world, the survey also found that 61 per cent of UK adults agree that they are concerned climate change will have an impact on their lives.

The British Red Cross is calling for UK and devolved government, local authorities, the NHS, health and care providers, charities, community organisations and others to come together to ensure people’s needs are placed at the heart of any future decisions around crisis response and that those most vulnerable to the impact of crisis are given a greater say in how those responses take shape.

The charity’s new poll shows that nearly three quarters of UK adults agree that local communities should be directly involved in the preparation and response of crises and, while only a quarter of the British public say the pandemic has inspired them to play a more active role in helping others in their community, almost half of young adults aged 18 to 34 years old (47 per cent) said they had been inspired by the pandemic to help people in their community more.

Mike Adamson, chief executive at British Red Cross, said: “The pandemic has opened the eyes of many to how a major crisis can develop. We are all now more aware – concerned, even - of what may lie ahead. People are worried about big picture challenges, including the prospect of another global health emergency and climate change, and the direct impact those events could have on their lives.

“Our research also shows that a large majority of the British public want the underlying inequalities laid bare by Covid to be addressed. As we look towards recovery, we are faced with a unique opportunity to learn and build towards a more resilient future, ensuring no one is left behind. Everyone must play an active role – from politicians and policymakers to those supporting communities and working in civil society.”