Global structure needed on infectious diseases

We can no longer qualify certain threats as problems “over there.” Local phenomena can create consequences that involve the entire world. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the control of infectious disease.

In response to sweeping death in West Africa caused by the Ebola virus, the World Health Organization announced an “international public health emergency.” The declaration came days after two American medical workers were flown home from Liberia for treatment after being infected by this highly lethal virus.