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Foreword
Despite rapid advances in controlling infectious diseases like influenza, tuberculosis and malaria, the world is
constantly threatened by the possibility of an epidemic. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980, optimism ran
high about humankind’s ability to make sure other infectious diseases would no longer pose a threat to human
health. But as diseases like HIV/Aids, cholera, hepatitis, malaria and influenza continue to devastate communities,
that optimism is beginning to look misplaced.
Infectious diseases do not respect geographical boundaries – they can devastate families, communities and entire
countries, and if unchecked, they can take on global proportions. For the affected communities, they place sudden
and intense pressure on health systems, and in addition to their morbidity and mortality, they disrupt countries’
activities and development, making it difficult for affected areas to recover both socially and economically.
Prevention and preparedness for epidemic disease is a fact of life that must be acknowledged by every country.
Every organization, whether public or private, must work together to enable the coordinated response that is needed
to rapidly identify and contain public health emergencies, reduce panic and minimize disruption to trade, travel and
communities.
Risk Wise Epidemics
has been created to help civil administrations understand the threat posed by infectious
diseases in societies of all kinds, and how they can work to minimize that threat.
Risk Wise Epidemics
is intended
both to inform and to inspire steps towards the prevention and eradication of current and future epidemic and
pandemic events. It brings together voices from all sectors of civil society, urging all nations to take the necessary
measures to prepare for present and future infectious health threats.
Published in May 2009 to coincide with the 62nd WHO World Health Assembly,
Risk Wise Epidemics
can be used
as a companion guide for civil administrators who are serious about improving the world’s defences against
infectious disease.
The publication represents the cumulative work of a wide spectrum of organizations and corporations with a
collective desire to prevent, prepare for and mitigate future pandemic events.
Our deepest thanks go to all the UN agencies, regional and national governments, academic institutions and
private sector organizations that have given so generously their time and resources to create this unique publication.
We trust that this latest title in the
Risk Wise
series of development publications proves a useful addition to your
knowledge base, and we look forward to receiving your comments and requests for future editions.
Jacqui Griffiths
Tudor Rose