Global Security is Being Undermined by Microbes

Of the 1,000+ participants to a recent Science Advisory Board snap poll, 52% believe that developing nations with poor public health records have a greater risk of armed conflict than those nations who have been successful in managing infectious diseases. Increases in drug-resistant types of infectious diseases, the migration of peoples due to natural and manmade disasters, and deficient health care systems in many societies have raised alarming concerns for the international community.

Global Security is Being Undermined by Microbes

ARLINGTON, VA (PRWEB) May 8, 2003 -- Of the 1,000+ participants to a recent Science Advisory Board snap poll, 52% believe that developing nations with poor public health records have a greater risk of armed conflict than those nations who have been successful in managing infectious diseases. Increases in drug-resistant types of infectious diseases, the migration of peoples due to natural and manmade disasters, and deficient health care systems in many societies have raised alarming concerns for the international community. The erosion of public health systems brought about by these and other factors in developing countries threatens to undermine the economic stability of countries, which can lead to political unrest," says Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of Scientific and Medical Communications for The Science Advisory Board.

Even in such developed countries as the United States, strengthening the public health infrastructure would help to ensure overall security by preventing the spread of infectious diseases and enabling a quick response to bioterrorism. However, this strengthening must occur at all levels: local, national, and international in order for any country, rich or poor, to triumph over the challenges posed by infectious disease outbreaks such as SARS and emergency threats of bioterrorism like the anthrax mail scare.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 14,700 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. The Science Advisory Board is currently conducting ongoing studies in other exciting areas of the life sciences. Scientists can contribute their own views on the tools and techniques of their field by participating at http://www.scienceboard.net. The Science Advisory Board was organized in 1997 by BioInformatics, LLC (http://www.gene2drug.com), a research and consulting firm located in Arlington, VA.

CONTACT:
Dr. Tamara Zemlo
Director, Scientific & Medical Communications
The Science Advisory Board
2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22201
703.778-3080 x 25 phone
t.zemlo@scienceboard.net
http://www.scienceboard.net

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