On October 15, 2026, the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong (HKU SPH) hosted a seminar titled “Pandemic Response: What Have We Learnt From Experience?” by Professor Maria Zambon, Head of Respiratory Virology at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Director of the UK WHO National Influenza Centre, and Chair of the International Society for Respiratory Viruses (ISRV), London, UK. The event took place at the HKU medical campus, bringing together members from across the academic and public health communities.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Professor Hui-Ling Yen, Interim Director and Professor of HKU SPH. During the presentation, Professor Zambon provided a comprehensive overview on global pandemic preparedness, tracing how antiviral therapies introduced for seasonal influenza in 1999/2000 paved the way for mass treatment during the 2009 pandemic, and how those experiences informed the global response to COVID-19. She highlighted the transformative impact of large-scale adaptive platform trials (such as RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP) with simple primary endpoints, as well as the critical role of stage-specific therapies—from early direct-acting antivirals for viral suppression to monoclonal antibodies and anti-inflammatory immunomodulators during hyperinflammatory stages.

Professor Zambon also emphasised the importance of innovative diagnostic pathways, such as point-of-care "test-and-treat" strategies and community self-sampling, supported by real-world data linkages to track treatment effectiveness and viral resistance in real time. She concluded by stressing the need for strong antiviral stewardship, an active drug intervention pipeline for novel threats, and agile research infrastructure to strengthen preparedness for future public health emergencies.

The seminar concluded with a lively and engaging Q&A session, during which participants exchanged insights and perspectives on the challenges and innovations shaping pandemic preparedness and response.