Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Health Security: COVID-19 and Ensuring Future Pandemic Preparedness in Ireland and the World

Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Health Security: Ensuring Future Preparedness for Small Island Nations and the World reviews the many lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include epidemic preparedness, the politics of epidemics, health security, anti-vaccine campaigns, vaccine preparedness, the need for detailed information sharing and infection tracking versus protected health information, the effects on international relations, the need for intelligence assets to contribute to global health, and the development of biodefense shields.

Table of Contents:
1. The Politicization of Health 2. Fortress Ireland 3. What Have We Learned? 4. Lockdown Alternatives 5. Vaccine Preparedness 6. Anti-Vaccine Campaigns and the Irish Far Right: How Do We Respond? 7. Military Involvement in Vaccinations 8. Information Sharing 9. Original Responses 10. Lessons for Developing Countries 11. Health Security 12. Public Access to PHI 13. Medical Intelligence 14. Biodefense Shields 15. International Relations Implications

About the Author :
Combining extensive professional experience in diplomacy, international security, development, public health, and climate change, Sebastian Kevany has conducted over 100 field missions to Africa, the Middle East, the South Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Asia with a focus on monitoring and evaluation, health security, international relations, human rights, and international security and governance. He is the author of two books on global diplomacy, security, and health; has published over 100 peer-reviewed academic articles on related issues; and holds BA and MA degrees from Trinity College Dublin (Ireland); an MPH degree from the University of Cape Town (South Africa); a doctorate by life research from the University of Westminster (United Kingdom). After qualifying from Medicine in NUIG Ireland, Dr. Aoife Kirk spent the last few years working as a junior doctor in Ireland, New Zealand and London, UK. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aoife worked within Public Health in Ireland, Respiratory and ICU departments in a Dublin hospital, and has witnessed a range of the widespread effects the pandemic has created. She was introduced to the concept of Planetary Health whilst undertaking MPH in London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and is one of the co-founders of Irish Doctors for Environment (IDE). She is the international link for IDE through work with Planetary Health Alliance, Health Care Without Harm and WONCA Working Party on the Environment. Aoife is passionate about the opportunities a carbon-zero future provides for the health of global citizens, biodiversity, interdisciplinary teamwork, research-driven policy and providing safe, efficient healthcare services.