Citation

Johnson ML, Belin J, Dorandeu F, Guille M. Disaster Med. Public Health Prep. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Université Panthéon-Assas, LEMMA & Labex MME-DII, Paris, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/dmp.2019.109

PMID

31735188

Abstract

The deliberate use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials in war or terrorist attacks is perceived as a great threat globally. In the event of a release of CBRN agents, protection by means of medical countermeasures (MedCMs) could reduce health vulnerability. Nonetheless, for some diseases caused by these agents, innovative MedCMs do not exist and many of those that do might not be readily available. Inappropriate research and development funding and government procurement efforts can result in adverse economic consequences (eg, lost income, cost per loss of life, medical expenses) far exceeding the costs of strong and comprehensive preparedness initiatives. By illustrating factors of demand-side rationale for CBRN MedCMs, this article aims to strengthen integrity of policy-making associated with current demand requirements. Namely, an approach to inspire broader assessment is outlined by compiling and adapting existing economic models and concepts to characterize both soft and hard factors that influence demand-side rationale. First, the soft factor context is set by describing the impact of behavioral and political economics. Then, lessons learned from past public health funding models and associated collaborative access infrastructure are depicted to represent hard factors that can enhance the viability of MedCM preparedness evaluations.

Language: en

Keywords

and nuclear agents; biological; chemical; funding; market demand; medical countermeasures; public health policy; radiological