Policy and Science for Global Health Security: Shaping the Course of International Health.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Kavita M. Berger, Gryphon Scientific, LLC.; James L. N. Wood, University of Cambridge; Bonnie Jenkins, Brookings Institution; Jennifer Olsen, Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving; Stephen S. Morse, Columbia University; Louise Gresham, Ending Pandemics and San Diego State University; J. Jeffrey Root, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Margaret Rush, Gryphon Scientific; David Pigott, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation; Taylor Winkleman, Next Generation Global Health Security Network; Melinda Moore, RAND Corporation; Thomas R. Gillespie, Emory University; Jennifer B. Nuzzo, Johns Hopkins University; Barbara A. Han, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; Patricia Olinger, Emory University; William B. Karesh, EcoHealth Alliance; James N. Mills, Emory University; Joseph F. Annelli, Practical One Health Solutions, LLC.; Jamie Barnabei, Plum Island Animal Disease Center; Daniel Lucey, Georgetown University; David T. S. Hayman, EpiLab
• Language: English
• Date: 2019-04-10
• Publisher: MDPI
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2019 by the authors.Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed4020060
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
• ISSN: 2414-6366
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 2
• Grant/Funding Information: SSM is funded by the Arts and Letters Foundation.; DTSH is funded by Royal Society Te Apārangi, grant number MAU1701 and MAU1503.
• Keywords: emerging infectious diseases; Ebola virus; One Health; zoonoses
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Public Health; Environmental Sciences

Abstract

The global burden of infectious diseases and the increased attention to natural, accidental, and deliberate biological threats has resulted in significant investment in infectious disease research. Translating the results of these studies to inform prevention, detection, and response efforts often can be challenging, especially if prior relationships and communications have not been established with decision-makers. Whatever scientific information is shared with decision-makers before, during, and after public health emergencies is highly dependent on the individuals or organizations who are communicating with policy-makers. This article briefly describes the landscape of stakeholders involved in information-sharing before and during emergencies. We identify critical gaps in translation of scientific expertise and results, and biosafety and biosecurity measures to public health policy and practice with a focus on One Health and zoonotic diseases. Finally, we conclude by exploring ways of improving communication and funding, both of which help to address the identified gaps. By leveraging existing scientific information (from both the natural and social sciences) in the public health decision-making process, large-scale outbreaks may be averted even in low-income countries.