Infectious diseases and Pandemics are a threat to the global population. While infectious diseases are localized, pandemics move across national boundaries. Though, conceptually they are different from each other, however, the strategies to respond and mitigate both are same. Health system preparedness, access to diagnostics and drugs is critical. Also, strong surveillance systems are needed to ensure timely response whether it is a localized outbreak or an outbreak that is moving across borders. Communities and individuals play an important role through behavior change and adherence to infection prevention and control practices. The COMID initiative is working towards building awareness through health education, building health systems to better respond to disease outbreaks, utilize digital technologies using machine learning and artificial intelligence for predictive analytics.