National Molecular Epidemiology Programs

The attainment of "health for all by the year 2000" is a goal which all nations are actively pursuing. While efforts must coninue towards improving social and economic conditions and providing education and health care to under-served populations, international health can also be realized by increasing capabilities in molecular epidemiology. This will strengthen scientific expertise, increase human resources and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the most prevalent diseases in both developing and industrialized countries. Each national molecular epidemiology program will complement current national policies. The specific activities of the programs may vary, but each will contain the following common international objectives:

1. Assessment of health problems which may be improved through molecular epidemiology

2. Situational analyses of the nations's state-of-the-art in epidemiology and molecular biology

3. Development of multidisciplinary collaborative networks, including scientists, epidemiologists, health professionals, industry representatives and government officials

4. Transfer of advanced biotechnology for basic and epidemiologic research of the major causes of national morbidity and mortality

5. Establishment of disease-specific projects for the prevention and control of conditions which are the focus of national health policy

6. Development of short and long-term training programs in molecular epidemiology

7. Improvement of international health through programs consistent with global health policy

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