Environmental Health Perspectives on the Emergence and Re-Emergence of Infectious Diseases, Geopolitics and Gain of Function Research

Chrysanthus Chukwuma Sr

doi:10.37871/jbres1386

Abstract

Research and publication are relevant from perspectives in the management of local and global health because disease is perspicuously a geopolitical issue ostensibly linked to gain-of-function research where health diplomacy undergirds present and future global functionalities regarding the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases. These have generated vehement reactions with propensity for extreme geopolitics and gain-of-function natural and anthropogenic activities. Geopolitical parameters and gain-of-function issues impact on the social determinants of health and vice versa. The convening and convergence of countries for unprecedented epidemic or pandemic treaty settings or other formulations to confront emerging and reemerging infectious diseases will afford considerable opportunities concerning challenges in action, preparedness and response. Provisions are pertinent for legal instruments, effective and efficient systems to curb future threats and outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Highlights

The application or utilization of gain-of-function, GoF or gain-of-function research, GoFR in association or absence of geopolitics or geopolitical activities has created concerns in the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases [1]
Research and publication are relevant from perspectives in the management of local and global health because disease is perspicuously a geopolitical issue ostensibly linked to gain-of-function research where health diplomacy undergirds present and future global functionalities regarding the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases
The SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 [1,2] Omicron (Nu or Xi) is a nascent or newfangled Variant of Concern. This designation as may be applicable to other nascent or newfangled microorganisms, such as subunit variant BA.2 of the Omicron COVID-19 genre denotes sharing of genome sequences, informing the WHO of initial cases and clusters, conducting field, laboratory investigations and assessment to explicate or elucidate efficiency, effectivity, epidemiology, public health, medical and nonpharmaceutical inputs, severity, transmissibility, clinicopathological correlates and overall impacts of these microrganisms as they pertain to the global population, especially vulnerable populations

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The application or utilization of gain-of-function, GoF or gain-of-function research, GoFR in association or absence of geopolitics or geopolitical activities has created concerns in the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases [1]. The alleviation or eradication of local and global poverty as well as hunger [43] with adequate health provisions, sustainable development and environment is a daunting task in the face of epidemics and pandemics of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases as depicted, for instance, in the scourges of the swine flu, HIV/AIDS, Ebola virus, SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. This is more so as we take into cognizance the UN's 17 Goals in the face of constricted resources and bourgeoning human populations inhabiting Planet Earth. It is pertinent to predict the impact and resurgence of epidemics and pandemics of infectious diseases and their variants of concern in order to rescue the human population and businesses from extreme dissipation

Findings

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION