Health and security challenges of the 21st century: Bioterrorism

• Main Author: Ristanović Elizabeta
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; srp
• Published: Serbian Medical Society, Department of Emergency Medicine, Belgrade 2016
• Subjects: microorganisms; epidemics; bioterrorism; biological agents; prevention; detection; treatment; prophylaxis; Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid; RC86-88.9; Avian flu
• Online Access: https://doaj.org/article/e487fc92ca364c1087b966cd460939ea

Microorganisms and diseases caused by them are one of the major health challenges and considering their possible consequences (medical, social, psychological, economic) represent one of the biggest security risks of the 21st century. This is confirmed by anthrax campaign in 2001, the outbreaks of SARS, avian flu, Ebola, swine flu pandemics, as well as the current global epidemiological situation regarding the emergence of new scourges (Zika virus) and health risks of migrations. If we add the possibility of intentional misuse of microorganisms-bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and their products - toxins in terrorist acts, it is clear that bioterrorism today is a global and actual threat to which adequate attention is not paid by neither the strategies of national security nor the health protection strategies. That is why, understanding the threat and opportunities for prevention and response in the event of the same, is a major task for the experts of different profiles from intelligence and security to the medical-biological sector, as well as academic and social public as a whole, and primarily for decision makers. Capacity building and training the resources for identification of biological attacks, detection and identification of biological agents, medical care of patients and prophylaxis of exposed persons, with understanding of the basic postulates of crisis management and the organization of health services in crisis situations are priority commitments for the medical sector.