As the world emerges from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts are warning that the battle against health crises is far from over. In 2025, global and regional challenges continue to strain healthcare systems, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and testing the resilience of public health infrastructure. For the United States—and California in particular—the confluence of infectious diseases, chronic health conditions, environmental hazards, and systemic inequalities presents a formidable array of public health threats.
Ethnic Media Services held an event about this topic, where multiple experts examined the most pressing concerns and explored how they are manifesting nationally and locally.
The Return of Infectious Diseases
COVID-19: Lingering Impacts and Variants
Though the world has largely transitioned to managing COVID-19 as an endemic disease, new variants remain a significant concern. In the United States, low booster vaccination rates in some regions, including parts of California, are leaving populations vulnerable to severe outcomes. Emerging variants with higher transmissibility or immune evasion capabilities could spark localized outbreaks, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage.
California, with its diverse and mobile population, faces unique challenges in controlling the spread. Urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco are at higher risk due to international travel, while rural areas grapple with limited healthcare access. Public health experts stress the importance of continuous vaccination campaigns and robust genomic surveillance to stay ahead of evolving threats.
“Our emergency rooms and hospitals are full of people now experiencing influenza and COVID is on the rise in my neck of the woods and RSV, although a little bit later than usual, is also starting to stick its nose up, so we have plenty of respiratory viral infections that are affecting our population Right at the moment”, Dr. William Schaffner, Professor of Preventive Medicine in the Department of Health Policy, warned.
The Triple Threat: RSV, Flu, and COVID-19
This winter, the United States faces what health officials are calling a “tripledemic” of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), seasonal influenza, and COVID-19. Hospitals in California, particularly pediatric facilities, have already reported a surge in admissions. While RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant women are now available, uptake has been slow. Public health campaigns must focus on raising awareness and increasing accessibility to these vaccines to prevent overwhelmed healthcare systems.
Diseases like tuberculosis (TB), monkeypox, and antibiotic-resistant infections continue to pose risks in the U.S. and California, as a hub for international travel and home to large immigrant populations, is particularly susceptible to imported cases of TB and other infectious diseases. Enhanced screening and rapid-response measures will be crucial to containing outbreaks.
Climate Change and Environmental Health Risks
Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health emergency. Rising temperatures, worsening air quality, and extreme weather events are directly and indirectly impacting the health of millions of Americans.
California’s wildfire seasons have become longer and more intense due to climate change. Smoke from wildfires significantly degrades air quality, exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and outdoor workers, are disproportionately affected.
Statewide initiatives such as improved air monitoring systems and cleaner energy policies aim to mitigate these effects, but more targeted efforts are needed to protect at-risk communities.
Heatwaves, another consequence of climate change, are becoming more frequent and severe. In 2023, California experienced its hottest summer on record, leading to an increase in heat-related illnesses and deaths. Urban areas with limited green spaces and inadequate cooling infrastructure are particularly vulnerable.
Public health campaigns focused on educating residents about the dangers of extreme heat, along with investments in cooling centers and urban greening projects, are critical to reducing mortality and morbidity.
But this is not the only wat Climate Change could affect our country. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Regional Campuses at the UCSF School of Medicine, mentioned that “the original MPOX was in the 70s and that was clade one. You mainly got it from contact with animals, and now it’s related to climate change too because of deforestation as people look for better ways to grow crops. Clade 2 has been seen in the United States and about more than 100 countries in 2022, causing more than 100,000 cases to this day”.
Health Inequities and Access to Care
Systemic inequities continue to plague the U.S. healthcare system, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of public health crises. In California, disparities in access to care, health outcomes, and social determinants of health remain glaringly apparent.
California’s rural areas face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare. A shortage of healthcare providers, coupled with long travel distances to medical facilities, creates barriers for residents. Telehealth has emerged as a potential solution, but inconsistent broadband access limits its effectiveness in some regions.
Communities of color in California experience higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, and worse outcomes for conditions like COVID-19. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach, including culturally competent care, community-based interventions, and policy reforms aimed at reducing structural inequities.
Public Health Workforce Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant vulnerabilities in the public health workforce, many of which persist today. Nationwide, public health departments are grappling with staffing shortages, funding constraints, and burnout among healthcare workers.
California has taken steps to address these issues, including increased funding for public health programs and initiatives to recruit and retain healthcare professionals. However, sustained investment and systemic reforms are needed to build a resilient workforce capable of responding to future crises.
About this, Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, funding director of BU Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research, expressed her “concern that I have is during the first Trump administration, the US withdrew from the WHO (World Health Organization) and I’m hearing that that might still be the plan. It would affect our ability to be part of the global security framework globally, because WHO is a vehicle through which countries can participate and share data. If we withdraw from that, that’s only at our own peril”.
In 2025, the United States and California face an array of public health challenges that require urgent and sustained attention. From infectious diseases and chronic conditions to climate change and systemic inequities, the threats are multifaceted and interconnected. By investing in prevention, leveraging technology, and addressing the root causes of health disparities, we can build a healthier, more resilient future. The time to act is now.