Infectious Diseases Impact Statement: A New Approach to Emerging Diseases
Author Information
Author(s): Edward McSweegan, Ph.D.
Primary Institution: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
Can an Infectious Diseases Impact Statement (IDIS) effectively predict changes in local health conditions due to human-engineered activities?
Conclusion
Implementing an IDIS could help prevent new epidemics and reduce the health impacts of development projects.
Supporting Evidence
- An IDIS could provide a formal mechanism for examining potential changes in local health conditions.
- Past events show that development projects can lead to increased disease prevalence.
- Embedding an IDIS requirement could prevent new epidemics and reduce morbidity and mortality.
Takeaway
This study suggests that we should create a special report to predict how building things might change the spread of diseases in local areas.
Methodology
The IDIS process involves assessing local disease vectors and populations before starting development projects.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from political influences on health assessments.
Limitations
The effectiveness of the IDIS may vary based on the knowledge of local diseases and vectors.
Participant Demographics
Focus on local populations in developing countries affected by development projects.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website