Publication

This paper analyzes the economic implications of the Great Plague in the 14th century, the 1918–19 influenza epidemic, HIV/AIDS and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to demonstrate the short- and long-term effects of different kinds of epidemics. The author illustrates that pathogens will continue to emerge and that an appropriate public policy focusing on prevention and response is necessary to avoid the mutation of existing viruses or new transmissions from animals to man. The author also supports that the arm of the WHO that deals with communicable diseases should be maintained and supported in its capacity and in its functions.