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Infectious Diseases

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Commentary (18)

H7N9 Bird Flu — Health Authorities Are Prepared, but Must Stay on High Alert — May 10, 2013

Having dealt with outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu and other communicable diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and H1N1 swine flu in 2009, health officials are now far better prepared to detect new diseases early and react quickly to monitor and contain their spread.

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The Economic Promise of Malaria Reduction — Apr 24, 2013

Better understanding of how malaria reduction affects different households, regions, and economic sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa could allow policymakers to assess alternative intervention strategies and allocate resources more efficiently and effectively.

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Tuberculosis Outbreak in LA Reminds Us of Importance of 'Bread and Butter' Public Health Capabilities — Mar 12, 2013

In this fiscally uncertain climate, we should continue to leverage the dual-use benefit of bioterrorism investments by building and maintaining those routine (but essential) public health capabilities that can also be used in response to a variety of public health emergencies.

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Gulf States Among Top in New HIV, AIDS Cases — Jun 27, 2012

Improving HIV prevention and medical care delivery to persons living with HIV/AIDS should be a collaborative effort, particularly in the Gulf States region, where resources are limited but the epidemic is expanding, writes Vivian Towe.

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Heed Film Lessons on Outbreak — Dec 29, 2011

To assure the health security of the United States, we must be capable of stopping anything a terrorist or Mother Nature might throw at us. Wholesale cuts to public health are taking us farther from that goal, write Art Kellermann and Melinda Moore.

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Vaccine Myths Could Cost Lives: They Don't Give You Autism, and They'll Hardly Ever Make You Sick — Jan 13, 2011

Immunization remains the best and first line of defense against serious infectious illness. This year's seasonal flu shot incorporates vaccine for H1N1. It's safe, and it's vitally important to get it, write Art Kellermann and Katherine Harris.

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Flu and Far Between — Sep 21, 2010

In a world where viruses travel as fast as jets, it becomes important for governments to share timely information and accelerate the production and delivery of vaccines, writes Melinda Moore.

Swine Flu: A Real Security Threat — Apr 30, 2009

In the rush of constant news updates on swine flu, we must recognize that controlling the spread of this disease is not simply a health concern but also one of national security. And in today's globalized world, the spread of swine flu has become not just a U.S. national security threat but every country's national security threat, writes Melinda Moore.

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Prison Health Care — Jul 12, 2007

Prison Health Care, in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

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Saving Money and Saving Lives in Nursing Homes — Mar 30, 2007

Published commentary by RAND staff: Saving Money and Saving Lives in Nursing Homes, in Washingtonpost.com.

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A Desired Epidemic: Obesity and the Food Industry — Feb 21, 2007

Published commentary by RAND staff: A Desired Epidemic: Obesity and the Food Industry, in Washingtonpost.com.

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China: Bachelor Bomb — Sep 14, 2005

Published commentary by RAND staff: China: Bachelor Bomb in the International Herald Tribune.

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'Lifestyle' and Live-Saving Drugs — Nov 28, 2004

Published commentary by RAND staff.

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Shortages Beyond Flu Shots — Nov 9, 2004

The flu vaccine is not the only vaccine that Americans could find in short supply due to a lack of enough manufacturing facilities licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the past six years there have been U.S. shortages of more than half of the 12 recommended childhood vaccines, and there could be more.

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Atlantic Monthly and RAND View the Future — Aug 1, 2003

The Atlantic Monthly Magazine features a compilation of ten short essays written by experts at RAND, collectively titled Headlines Over the Horizon. The RAND authors examined developments in international and military affairs drawing little attention today that are expected to be major issues in the next three to five years.