Study on global public health threats due to emerging or Re-emerging infectious diseases and the strategies to Reduce Threats

The occurrence of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans has increased in the recent past and imposing a serious public health threat globally. Despite remarkable advances in medical science and treatment during 20^th century, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Over 30 new infectious agents have been detected worldwide in the last 20 years and 60 per cent of these are of zoonotic origin. Recent world events, such as the 2014 Ebola epidemic, have brought public attention to challenges imposed by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Evolution of pathogenic infectious agents with genetic change, antimicrobial resistance, insecticide resistance, human demographic and behavioral change, human susceptibility to infections, poverty and social inequality, climate and changing ecosystem, urbanization and deforestation, increase international travel and trade, deterioration in public health surveillance and breakdown of public health measures are the main contributing factors of emerging and re-emerging infections. Coordinated, well-prepared and well-equipped health systems; partnerships among clinicians, microbiologists and epidemiologists; improved methods for detection & epidemiological surveillance & laboratory capabilities and services; screening on international travels and trades; effective preventive & therapeutic technologies; strengthened response capacity; political commitment & adequate resources to address underlying socio-economic factors and international collaboration & communication are utmost important for managing emerging and re-emerging diseases worldwide