A new twenty-first century science for effective epidemic response

Abstract

With rapidly changing ecology, urbanization, climate change, increased travel and fragile public health systems, epidemics will become more frequent, more complex and harder to prevent and contain. Here we argue that our concept of epidemics must evolve from crisis response during discrete outbreaks to an integrated cycle of preparation, response and recovery. This is an opportunity to combine knowledge and skills from all over the world-especially at-risk and affected communities. Many disciplines need to be integrated, including not only epidemiology but also social sciences, research and development, diplomacy, logistics and crisis management. This requires a new approach to training tomorrow's leaders in epidemic prevention and response.

Fig. 1. An ecosystem of interactions.

The tightly interconnected nature of human, animal and environmental health makes the emergence and decline of epidemics difficult to predict. One Health integrates multiple perspectives in a framework that emphasizes the need to consider any particular aspect in this broader context.