Once the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control, it is imperative that the attention and investments that will arise are directed toward systemic, ambitious progress. This will involve creating a steady state of persistent pathogen early warning, strong civil defense, an ecosystem of capabilities to quickly develop and deploy diagnostics and countermeasures tailored to specific new disease threats, and more. Just as important, national and international capacities that normally support private sector needs but that can pivot to support rapid biological threat responses must be mapped and ready to surge in times of need.