Health and economic benefits of an accelerated program of research to combat global infectious diseases

Abstract

Reducing the burden of disease in developing countries is central to global economic development and security. Combatting infectious disease is crucial to improving prospects for the poor and preventing the rapid spread of infections in an interdependent world. The outbreak of SARS in the spring of 2003 led to a major rethinking of our preparedness to fight infectious diseases domestically. Less appreciated is the link between global and domestic control of infectious diseases and the role that individual countries can play in combatting infectious diseases worldwide through control and research. In this article we provide the rationale for an accelerated program for infectious disease research. We first review the role scientific research has played in the historic rates of decline in infectious disease mortality during the 20th century. We identify current infectious disease priorities and research gaps. Next we discuss the economic benefits of disease control, including the likely benefits of accelerated research. Finally, we provide the broad contours of an accelerated Canadian response to global infectious diseases.