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The New Plagues: Pandemics and Poverty in a Globalized World
The New Plagues: Pandemics and Poverty in a Globalized World
The New Plagues: Pandemics and Poverty in a Globalized World
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The New Plagues: Pandemics and Poverty in a Globalized World

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The threat from infectious diseases has increased with globalization. Throughout the history of mankind, epidemics have eradicated whole regions, started the migration of peoples and decided wars. They continue to leave their mark on societies, as well as influencing politics and economies. The New Plagues: Pandemics and Poverty in a Globalized World explores the strategies of microbes in conjunction with the economic impact of epidemics. In particular, it looks at the conflict between rich and poor with regard to outbreaks, and introduces possible strategies for containment.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateNov 1, 2009
ISBN9781906598600
The New Plagues: Pandemics and Poverty in a Globalized World
Author

Stefan Kaufmann

Consultant, Germany

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    The New Plagues - Stefan Kaufmann

    2008

    Preface

    Hardly a year goes by without some infectious disease dominating the headlines. This is usually followed by hysterical activities that gradually peter out. We find the unknown and unexpected especially threatening. Reading names such as BSE, SARS, and H5N1 in newspapers, we might be forgiven for thinking that infectious diseases claim just a few hundred lives. But these are just the tip of the iceberg. What the press fails to mention is that around 50,000 people die from infectious diseases every day.

    When I was asked if I would write a book about the threat of infectious disease for the Forum for Responsibility series, I did not immediately jump at the chance. The task seemed far too daunting on top of all my other commitments. In the end I agreed, because I believe that something urgently needs to be done to contain infectious diseases. In retrospect the project proved enjoyable, and I learned a great deal more than I thought I would. As I delved into the subject, one thing became abundantly clear: something needs to be done – and soon!

    Infectious diseases affect every facet of our lives. They are the focus of research and medicine; they shape our society and culture; and they have a significant economic and political impact. Within this network, they are both cause and consequence. What has been lacking so far is an attempt to view the various aspects from different angles and to unravel the complex web of interdependencies. The purpose of this book is to do just that – not in the technical language of the scientist but in a way that will enable as many people as possible to form their own opinions about the globalization of infectious diseases in the modern, networked world.

    I was fortunate to have had the unstinting support of a reliable and helpful group of people. I wish to thank Dr. Mary Louise Grossman for her research for this book, Diane Schad for preparing the instructive illustrations, Souraya Sibaei for her unflagging help writing the manuscript and her sound research, and Susan Schädlich for her competent and always stimulating assistance. Eva Köster at Fischer Verlag and Anette Maas at the Forum for Responsibility lent their support to the project with great commitment. I wish to thank my colleague -Professor Klaus Hahlbrock for his patience in persuading me to write this book. I would also like to extend my special thanks to the Forum for Responsibility, particularly to Klaus Wiegandt, who kindled my fascination for the project and generously supported me. Many colleagues read parts of the manuscript. In particular, I wish to thank Professor Martin Grobusch, Professor Frank Kirchhoff, Professor Peter Kremsner, Professor Klaus Magdorf, Professor Kai Matuschewski, and Professor Richard Lucius. When I accepted the book project I knew that I would be writing it mainly in my free time. I thank Elke, my wife and my sons Moritz and Felix for their incredible patience and forbearance while I devoted so much time to this book instead of to them. It wasn’t the first

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