Former CDC Head Warns of Threats Biological and Political
May 26, 2017
auto_awesome
Former head of the CDC, Tom Frieden, discusses the importance of addressing threats to public health and social justice through scientific rigor and social conscience. He highlights the dangers posed by natural diseases, harmful industries, denial of healthcare, and the threat of nationalism.
Combining scientific rigor and social conscience is crucial in addressing natural outbreaks and countering policymakers who obstruct access to quality medical care and prevention.
Preventing nationalism is essential in advancing healthcare and global cooperation, and healthcare professionals have a responsibility to promote collaboration and compassion to counter this disease.
Deep dives
The Power of Combining Scientific Rigor and Social Conscience
Combining scientific rigor and social conscience is a remarkably powerful combination according to Tom Frieden, the former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This combination is necessary to tackle various threats faced by society, including natural outbreaks like Ebola, Zika, and SARS, as well as the dangers posed by harmful substances such as tobacco. It is also essential in countering policymakers who may obstruct access to quality medical care and prevention. By embracing both scientific rigor and social justice, individuals and institutions can make a significant impact in addressing these challenges.
The Importance of Preventing Nationalism
Tom Frieden, speaking at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, emphasized the need to prevent nationalism from adversely affecting healthcare and global cooperation. According to him, nationalism is an infantile disease that can undermine progress in society. By focusing on caring for patients, advancing knowledge, and promoting social justice, healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in preventing the spread of this disease. Frieden urged everyone to embrace their responsibility in countering nationalism and working towards a world that values collaboration, compassion, and global solidarity.
1.
Addressing Threats to Public Health and Social Justice