The Establishment of Global Medical Supply Banks Would Aid in the Response to Disease Outbreaks and Disasters

Abstract

The recent Ebola outbreak illustrated that the world doesn’t have an efficient emergency system to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Lack of quickly obtainable medical supplies around the world will lead to a slower response to medical crises. The role of the World Health Organizations is not to provide medical care and supplies but to identify potential increases of infectious diseases and to inform and help guide the governments of those countries in what to do in response. We have requested that the Red Cross consider establishing medical supply banks around the globe that could, upon notification by the WHO, quickly distribute medical supplies to areas that need them.