One World, One Health, One Medicine
Health experts warn against dangers of global diseases
by Beverley Kreul, posted Feb. 18, 2009
The world today seems to be getting smaller; there are stronger international bonds, there is a greater number of outsourcing and globalization of jobs; and there are a greater number of diseases that threaten every corner of the globe.
Dr. Gary L. Simpson, from the New Mexico Department of Health, and Al Zelicoff, from the Center for National Security and Arm Control, presented their idea of “One World, One Health, One Medicine” at Saturday Morning Science on Feb. 7 in Monsanto Auditorium on the MU campus.
“Infectious disease is second only to climate change to world extinction,” said Simpson, the former director of infectious diseases for the state of New Mexico. It is estimated that 60 percent of the 1,451 know infectious diseases can infect both humans and animals. These types of disease are known as zoonotic disease, which literally means “comes from critters.”
It is likely that any future pandemic would be a zoonotic disease. One example of this type of disease is the Avian Influenza, which originates in waterfowl. It has caused much debate and action in countries such as China, which has reported more than 400 cases since 1997. Fortunately, Avian Influenza has not become a pandemic because it is not easily transmitted.
As a means of avoiding future pandemics, Simpson recommends greater surveillance and response to diseases, research of certain diseases, greater infrastructure for disease control and training for doctors, and greater prevention and control of diseases.
Simpson and Zelicoff have worked together to create a software tool known as the SYRIS system. SYRIS — syndrome reporting information system — gives doctors, veterinarians, hospitals, and school nurses the ability to observe symptoms from their patients, report them in SYRIS and send this information to their public health officials.
From there, the public health officials can monitor these symptoms and determine if there is an outbreak in their area. SYRIS allows for real- time, two-way communication between clinicians and public health officials.
“There really is no universal or standard surveillance system, which is the main problem,” said Annette Sobel, the MU assistant to the provost and vice president for strategic opportunities. At this time, only New Mexico and one county in northern Texas use SYRIS, while Simpson and Zelicoff travel the country promoting their plan. It has been in place for six years and only costs the area 10 cents per capita. For further information, visit www.oneworldonehealth.com.
