Environmental Health Perspectives on the Emergence and Re-Emergence of Infectious Diseases, Geopolitics and Gain of Function Research

Abstract

Research and publication are relevant from perspectives in the management of local and global health because disease is perspicuously a geopolitical issue ostensibly linked to gain-of-function research where health diplomacy undergirds present and future global functionalities regarding the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases. These have generated vehement reactions with propensity for extreme geopolitics and gain-of-function natural and anthropogenic activities. Geopolitical parameters and gain-of-function issues impact on the social determinants of health and vice versa. The convening and convergence of countries for unprecedented epidemic or pandemic treaty settings or other formulations to confront emerging and reemerging infectious diseases will afford considerable opportunities concerning challenges in action, preparedness and response. Provisions are pertinent for legal instruments, effective and efficient systems to curb future threats and outbreaks of infectious diseases.

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“…Diplomacy enhances international cooperation to geopolitically promote environment and health and manage diverse global microbial threats, noncommunicable and communicable diseases, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and AIDS which are pandemic disorders [1][2][3][4]; and classic representatives of international externalities which must need more than a single government intervention to optimally confront negative impacts. Thus, international cooperation allows for extensive and effective approach to address local disease outbreaks, sensitize stakeholders on global catastrophes, investigate, harness and coordinate research and development, production, availability and dissemination of vaccines [5]; with accordance on treatment nodalities, restriction procedures or quarantine for cross-border travelers [1,3]. Also, the global climate change effect constitutes the archetypal global externality.…”

“…Currently, there are no clearly defined quantitative global health impacts concerning climate change, and the trajectory indicates a future increment. It predicts that higher income countries or industrialised countries more than lower-income countries without competent naturally-based agricultural systems may be encompassed by expansive food insecurity, the emergence and reemergence of diseases as in the COVID-19 pandemic [1][2][3][4] and Russian-Ukraine hostilities. It is pertinent to examine the global health nexus of climate change and pollution with the latitude for an integrative defined systemic policy strategy to extant and envisaged issues..…”

“…COVID-19 vaccines have mitigated and prevented morbidity and mortality of millions of persons worldwide (1,3). However, the morbidity and mortality rates resulting from SARS-CoV-2 or its variants would have been prevented or diminished in low-income countries if the WHO vaccination targets were achievable.…”

“…Global changes, challenges and issues require global resolutions, especially as these impact on our environment and health [1][2][3]. Changes or trends in risk factor presentations or levels can be determined via disparate or collaborative spatiotemporal specific environmental cadastre surveys.…”

Ecological analysis in diplomacy, geopolitics and international cooperation: Driving accountability for social impact

“…Global changes, challenges and issues require global resolutions, especially as these impact on our environment and health [1][2][3]. Changes or trends in risk factor presentations or levels can be determined via disparate or collaborative spatiotemporal specific environmental cadastre surveys.…”