In 2014, the world avoided a global outbreak of Ebola, thanks to thousands of selfless health workers -- plus, frankly, some very good luck. In hindsight, we know what we should have done better. So, now's the time, Bill Gates suggests, to put all our good ideas into practice, from scenario planning to vaccine research to health worker training. As he says, "There's no need to panic ... but we need to get going."

Bill Gates: The next outbreak? We're not ready

The next outbreak? We're not ready

The Ebola outbreak revealed critical gaps in global health systems, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced preparedness.

Simulation exercises, akin to military war games, are vital in identifying weaknesses in our defense against future epidemics.

Global unpreparedness for epidemics, exemplified by Ebola, could turn a virus into a catastrophe far greater than nuclear war.