Doses of Reality: A Matter of National Health Security

Oct 29, 2025

Dr. Seth Berkley, a renowned infectious disease epidemiologist and former CEO of Gavi, joins to discuss the critical state of global health security. He highlights the alarming resurgence of preventable diseases and the importance of equitable vaccination efforts. Berkley shares lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses the complexities of vaccine hesitancy versus inequity. The conversation also delves into the rise of anti-science legislation and the erosion of public trust, while offering a hopeful outlook on future advancements in public health.

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INSIGHT

Legislation Eroding Public Health Trust

Over 420 anti-science bills target public health, with 350 anti-vaccine measures and 30 enacted in 12 states.
Seth Berkley warns this undermines long-term scientific authority and reverses public health gains.

ANECDOTE

COVAX's Origins And Impact

Berkley recounts building COVAX early in the COVID pandemic to prevent rich countries buying all vaccine supply.
COVAX later delivered vaccines to 146 countries and 2 billion doses, despite nationalism and export bans.

INSIGHT

Pandemic Risk Is Evolving Not Diminishing

A Lancet Commission estimated a ~50% chance of a COVID-like pandemic in the next 25 years.
Berkley calls future outbreaks an "evolutionary certainty" due to population growth, urbanization, displacement, and climate change.

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