Cross-border infectious disease threats pose new challenges for national and global public health prevention and response. The evolving nature of infectious disease threat with the potential to cross geopolitical boundaries includes novel zoonotic outbreaks with pandemic potential, the possibility of a non-state actor developing bioterrorism capabilities, and the emerging threat associated with the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Papers submitted under this section include analysis and discussion of systems developed and measures undertaken to identify/mitigate/control the cross-border spread of infectious disease (including but not restricted to COVID-19) and reflections on differences between countries in policy, strategy, and operational implementation of programs to address disease outbreaks with an emphasis on transferable lessons. We also invite papers on the implementation and effectiveness of global measures to control cross-border threats (such as proposed changes to the International Health Regulations and proposed pandemic accord), including analyses of how geopolitical interests influence development of such measures. Studies (analyses and commentaries) on existing and proposed bilateral, multilateral, and multistakeholder global financing platforms for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response are also welcome; as are studies of international cooperation in all aspects of cross-border infectious disease management (prevention, preparedness, mitigation, vaccines, vaccine trials, therapeutics, medical supplies, surveillance, data-sharing).
Finally, papers on research and financing efforts to reduce the burden of infectious disease regardless of cross-border importance are also welcome, provided they address how globalization is influencing both disease burden and research and financing measures to prevent or control such outbreaks.