CONCLUSIONS
The Commission’s recommendations constitute a comprehensive framework for countering the risk of infectious-disease crises. Inevitably, there will be debate as to whether implementing only some will suffice. But policy frameworks are most effective when the elements complement each other; partial implementation is much less effective. Moreover, investment in prevention and preparation is worth much more than spending on response, and the best response is a well-prepared one. The battle against infectious-disease outbreaks will be fought on the ground within specific communities and will be won only if these communities are fully engaged, but science is our most powerful weapon in combating infectious diseases, and the development of tools such as vaccines and diagnostics must begin before a crisis occurs. Otherwise, the delay in deploying such tools effectively will cost the world many lives and livelihoods.