Bioterrorism And Emergency Preparedness

Today is the age of rapid change, rapid not only in progressive work, but
unluckily in such areas as terrorism which gave birth to bioterrorism (Fabian, p.
62, 2004). It was during the attacks of anthrax on April 24, 1997, in Washington
D.C. when this all started on a broad spectrum (Layne, p. 21, 2004), and that the
United States seemed to lack an efficient preparedness for biological terrorism
and prospective threats. Later, “On May 17, 2000, a release of pneumonic
plague virus occurred at a local theater hosting a sold-out performance of a
popular play” (Wiant, p. 50, 2000). If it had been the other way around, it would
have indicated better cure and care of the infected and exposed people as
happened later when Ron Brown had an idea of fixing instant bioterrorism
detectors on cell-phone towers (Krause, p. 37, 2003).

However, on a broader canvas what is required in this regard, that is, emergency
preparedness in bioterrorism, is that the first responders to the biological threats
must – who range from law enforcement bodies to technicians of medical
emergency – have training which is up to date so as to effectively deal with
prospective and present biological threats like anthrax. Some of the concerned
departments of the US government have started to create awareness with regard
to necessary precautions for such issues as influenza, smallpox, and toxic
chemicals. Other agencies and bodies have begun to work in association with
other organizations to prepare people and communities so that they can protect
themselves.

Cross-communal partnerships are also being observed in order to effectively

meet the challenges in the area of bioterrorism and to treat any threat with a
mass movement of expertise and resources (Abatemarco, p. 16, 2007).

Public Participation in Preparedness of Bioterrorism

With regard to the preparedness to biological threats, responding effectively to
bioterrorism, and readiness for such evils, planning is now catching widespread
attention among professionals of medical field, environment, and emergency-
related fields. The entire focus of such awareness is actually to enhance and
boost up the overall effectiveness of programs against such threats as biological
attacks and epidemics.

However, the key element which can be very effective in controlling the
bioterrorism and can stand to be highly beneficial with regard to the
preparedness is the association of public or nonprofessionals in the very area. It
is one single area in which the concerned bodies need to play a very active role
so that more and more people can be made aware of the threats of bioterrorism
and more and more precautionary measures can be observed (Richardson, p.
49, 2004).

Health is more than just diabetes, hypochondria, malignant tumor, tuberculosis,

cholera, and myocardial infarction. It transcends beyond biological definitions and
perceptions of health. It is not imaginary neither is it an abstract of human
imagination. It is a 3-dimensional concept that is a result of various factors
embedded in society.

The paper throws light on health and its relation with society; the various factors
in society that have molded our definition of health; the gradual evolution of the
concept of health; the obstacles that stand in the way and the way health is
perceived by different factions. Religious, moral, and biological reasoning to the
definition of health is also cited.

That, health is symbiotic with social values is known but how so is elaborated.
The inter-relationship between time, society, and health is also established and
an empirical cum subjective concept of health is inculcated.
It delves into various examples to substantiate the arguments cited. Social
structures, social actions, and their association with health are explained
explicitly. In doing so, a relationship between health and society is established
and piqued over.

The truth of the idea behind “health and society” is sought for. Purportedly
questions like in what way does society define its notion of health? How are the
notions of health based on decision-making? How are the decisions treated? The
role of law agencies in catering to the various stakeholders at hand and the
survival role of every individual is sought for.

Health in its essence an amalgamation of scientific, theoretical, imaginative,

mythical, historical, and objective notions. It has and will change with time and
circumstances. Darwin’s survival of the fittest evolved humans, in evidently
evolving health in the process.

Introduction

Society and health are notions that, if categorically juxtaposed with each other,
would be inevitably never seen without each other. The masses have a huge role
to play in shaping health. The inhibitions, fears, and historic myths have a lot to
explain when it comes to the excruciating forms of most diseases. Medicine is
and never will be a universal scientific connotation. It is a form of social practice
that observes understands and codifies sufferings. They barely reflect the notions
and aspirations of society.