Human beings will continue to suffer from infectious diseases, some of them contagious. To fight a new disease, infectious disease physicians first work to determine the rules that govern the disease, its spread, and the gravity of the infection. Those rules then determine our prevention and treatment strategies, Institute Director Myron Cohen, MD, told his audience as he delivered the UNC World View’s Richardson Lecture on September 17.
World View is a UNC public service program that provides high-quality global professional development for K-12 and community college teachers, administrators and staff. The annual lecture is named for Dick Richardson, a former UNC provost and member of World View’s Council of Advisors.
Current technologies allow remarkably fast responses to new infections, Cohen noted, including the development of prevention strategies and treatments. The best response to COViD-19, as we have learned so far from the virus’ rules, are a combination prevention that includes behavioral changes as well as drug treatments and potential vaccines.
“Thank you for a superb, impactful, and information lecture. This is the most important and excellent presentation I have heard about the virus and how to understand and face it, which is obviously a huge issue,” noted James Peacock, PhD, UNC anthropology professor who helped found the World View program.
Added Charlé LaMonica, director of World View, “In these times that are so very challenging, it is good to see the University sharing expertise and the community so appreciative of learning valuable, important information.” LaMonica noted that World View will offer scholarships in Cohen’s honor this fall to allow 10 teachers to attend fall 2020 programs.