This article notes the growing importance of health as a critical factor in human and national security due to its links with the economy, the stability of state institutions and public morale. While on the one hand, the process of rapid technological and financial globalisation has increased the risk and pace of contagion for old and new epidemic diseases, on the other it has helped find and implement remedies. However, worsening socioeconomic inequalities between and within countries are largely responsible for the vulnerability of both the disadvantaged and affluent populations. This paper concludes that reforms of the current economic system are needed to comprehensively address the challenges posed by communicable viral and microbial infections.
