ABSTRACT The world is becoming a single human community, with more than 6 billion members. As we enter the new millenium trade and travel are intensifying. The past two decades have witnessed the evolution, introduction and dissemination of new infections within this community. “Natural” barriers to introduction and dissemination of pathogens among communities have fallen as travel time between destinations has decreased and the volume and diversity of products crossing borders has increased. Key to defending populations against outbreaks of new infectious diseases in this era of rapid globalization is the creation of strong local public health systems. Outbreaks occur when new agents are introduced to new populations against a background of suboptimal access to clean water, sanitation, nutrition, and public health interventions such as immunizations. Uneven access is a historical fact, however the prospects for correcting this gap are increasingly dependent on bringing in resources beyond the “public” sphere of expenditure. The linkage of economically vital trade and travel interests to a preventive public health agenda is a useful strategy to enhance the realization of strong global public health systems.
Learning Objectives: 1) To learn about how global megatrends impact the delivery of health to populations. 2) To understand trade, travel and transmission of infectious diseases
Keywords: Public Health, Global Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Washington
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.