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Since the publication of the first volume of Contemporary Developments and Perspectives in International Health Security, a lot has happened in this rapidly evolving area. Perhaps the most dominant global event of the past eighteen months is the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this general context, the importance of the multiple and diverse international health security (IHS) subdomains is becoming evident, especially when one begins to appreciate the interconnectedness of the modern world and the interdependence of various existing societal systems. Moreover, this complexity presents our civilization with both dangers and opportunities, and among the most pronounced opportunities is our ability to effectively'work together and coordinate” as humanity. With a goal to summarize and synthesize our collective experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, this second tome of Contemporary Developments and Perspectives in International Health Security is a repository of knowledge and a practical resource for those who seek to learn about the current pandemic as well as for those who may already be preparing for the'next pandemic” or as yet unforeseen IHS threats. In addition to the COVID-19 global response, topics discussed in this book include climate change, mental health, supply chain management, and clinical diagnostics, among others. more...

International health security (IHS) is a broad and highly heterogeneous area. Within this general context, IHS encompasses subdomains that potentially influence (and more specifically endanger) the well-being and wellness of humans. The general umbrella of IHS includes, but is not limited to, natural disasters, emerging infectious diseases (EID) and pandemics, rapid urbanization, social determinants of health, population growth, systemic racism and discrimination, environmental matters, civilian violence and warfare, various forms of terrorism, misuse of antibiotics, and the misuse of social media. The need for this expanded definition of health security stems from the realization that topics such as EID; food, water, and pharmaceutical supply chain safety; medical and health information cybersecurity; and bioterrorism, although important within the overall realm of health security, are not only able to actively modulate the wellness and health of human populations, but also tend to do so in a synergistic fashion. This inaugural tome of a multi-volume collection, Contemporary Developments and Perspectives in International Health Security, introduces many of the topics directly relevant to modern IHS theory and practice. This first volume provides a solid foundation for future installments of this important and relevant book series. more...

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed healthcare systems worldwide. Even as the world transitions out of the pandemic, numerous health threats remain, the biggest of which is climate change. This book examines both the virus and climate change in the context of international health security. It begins with chapters on the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy and the perinatal period and its relationship to toxic stress. Subsequent chapters address climate change and its effects on human health and wellbeing, natural disaster frequency and severity, and occupational accidents. more...