Think20 Policy Brief - Global Teams for Early Warning, Detection, and Response to Disease Outbreaks

Advanced Biology
Written By Shrikrishna Upadhyaya

Published July 28, 2023

This Policy Brief was published by Think20, the official engagement group of the G20 and can be accessed here.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the world, causing more than 660 million reported cases and 6 million deaths in three years. Since 2000, other pathogens, including the 2002 SARS, 2013 Ebola, 2014 Bird Flu, 2015 MERS, and 2022 Monkeypox have recorded serious outbreaks varying in severity. Pre-existing rules and regulations, such as the International Health Regulations, have failed to efficiently detect the outbreaks and effectively contain their spread. This Policy Brief discusses the formation of G20-led early warning, detection, and response teams to disease outbreaks. These teams would be based in select member nations and have the expertise to collect data and identify emerging health threats. After the detection of a threat, the G20 should help the affected country with accelerated access to financial resources.

Authors

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Dr. Harshit Kukreja
Dr. Harshit Kukreja

Harshit Kukreja was a Research Analyst working with the Advanced Biology team at Takshashila. His research interests lie in health policy, public health, ethics and economics.

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Shambhavi Naik
Shambhavi Naik

Shambhavi Naik is the Head of Research at Takshashila and is the chairperson of the Advanced Biology programme. She has a PhD in Cancer Biology. Shambhavi’s research covers India’s policies in areas of emerging technologies, with a focus on healthcare and higher education.

Shrikrishna Upadhyaya
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