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Twenty First Annual Darwin College Lecture Series 2006

SURVIVAL

Lecture 4   :   10 February

SURVIVING DISEASE

Richard Feachem

Global Fund

Biography  |   Abstract   |   Printable Version   |   Podcast Preview

Abstract

All nations of the world now face a major challenge from global pandemics for which they are unprepared. The largest global pandemic in the history of humankind, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, continues to spread and to devastate. Meanwhile, the world faces the prospect of a huge and rapidly spreading pandemic of avian flu. Facing up to these and other pandemics is a global public good of the highest priority. Currently, global capacities to deal with current pandemics, and to avert future pandemics, are woefully inadequate. The nature of determinants of global pandemics, past, present and future, are discussed and some of the lessons learned from HIV/AIDS in relation to preparedness for avian flu are elaborated. Professor Feachem concludes with comments on the need for enhanced supra-national mechanisms to deal with existing and future global pandemics.

The lectures are given at 5.30 p.m. in The Lady Mitchell Hall, Sidgwick Avenue, with an adjacent overflow theatre with live TV coverage. Each lecture is typically attended by 600 people so you must arrive early to ensure a place.