Most pandemics and emerging infections — such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and pandemic influenza — are zoonotic (originate in other animal species), and are often driven to emerge by ecological, behavioural, or socioeconomic changes. Despite their profound effects on global public health, and our technical improvements over the years, no pandemic or emerging infection has yet been accurately predicted, or stopped, before causing a sizable number of human infections. This talk will discuss these issues, review some efforts in improving global surveillance and early warning (including ProMED), and examine possibilities for improving prevention or containment of pandemics and emerging infections.