The last few years have witnessed an exponential increase in emerging infectious diseases-some with pandemic potential. Globalization of travel and commerce has increased the potential for very rapid transnational spread of infectious diseases between people.
In addition, increased levels of transnational trade and migration -- often outside of the reach of the law and between countries where infectious disease control is in a rudimentary state -- have further raised the need for strong action. The overall response has been modest and has not matched the size of the pending crisis. The developing initiative aims to promote resilience of the poor and vulnerable by supporting integrated surveillance, response, and management of health and livelihoods threats.
Three areas are being explored:
- On the ground: Stronger disease early warning, surveillance, and rapid response in vulnerable settings will reduce health and livelihoods impacts on the poor
- Across borders: Improved local, national, trans-border and global transparency of reporting can better manage rapidly developing health threats
- Across sectors: Stronger connections between livelihoods and health needs can strengthen overall system (for many of the poorest, this means the interface between animal health and human health)
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