Why Global Infectious Disease?

Infectious Disease has been the leading cause of death throughout history – more than all wars and conflicts combined, and cumulatively, more than deaths from non-communicable Disease.

A known 1,400 infectious pathogens cause disease in humans, and while remarkable advances in science and public health have significantly reduced the burden of death and disability caused by these agents, Infectious Disease continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world.

In high income countries like the United States where Infectious Disease is responsible for less death and disability, the ongoing risk of disease outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, and intercurrent issues such as anti-microbial resistance continue to pose significant public health challenges.

Many changes in our world today including globalization, migration, climate change, deforestation, rapid advances in technology and mobility, all increase interactions between microbes, man, and other co-inhabitants of our planet, leading to the emergence and re-emergence of new infectious disease, but also expanding the repertoire of tools and interventions we have for dealing with infectious disease threats.

Tackling Infectious Disease challenges of the 21^st century with modern day tools and technologies, across borders and multi-national contexts, calls for uniquely trained individuals equipped to confront these challenges.