Biological Science and Biotechnology in Russia Controlling Diseases and Enhancing Security (2006) / Chapter Skim
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Introduction
Introduction
Pages 10-20
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From page 10... ...
At the same time, there is a growing global challenge to ensure that biological capabilities are directed toward the betterment -- and not the malicious detriment -- of the lives of people throughout the world. Meanwhile, infectious diseases continue to threaten human health and agriculture.
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From page 11... ...
The development of an infrastructure to help control infectious diseases and the potential contributions of international cooperation to support such an infrastructure are the focal points of this report. The specific charge to the NRC committee responsible for this study was as follows: This project will present a 5 to 10 year vision of an environment in Russia for biological research and production activities that encourages efforts to prevent bioterrorism and the proliferation of potentially dangerous biological agents and expertise while addressing relevant public health, agricultural, industrial, environmental, and scientific challenges.
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From page 12... ...
As indicated in Appendix B, committee members and staff visited more than 30 relevant government organizations, research centers, commercial firms, and educational institutions in Russia and consulted with more than 100 knowledgeable Russian officials and specialists during the course of the study. In addition, they attended three conferences in Russia on topics addressed during the study, and they invited leading Russian specialists to participate in a special meeting on the themes of the study in the United States.
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From page 13... ...
As an example of the intentions of the Russian government, Government Decree #1187-r of August 21, 2003, set forth a plan for the stimulation of innovation and the support of venture capital investments.1 The plan covers the creation of governmental support mechanisms for conducting major projects aimed at: (1) creating competitive, science-intensive products; (2)
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From page 14... ...
Slow Recovery of Russian Capabilities in Biological Science and Technology Russia has a vast array of biological research and development facilities staffed by tens of thousands of scientists, engineers, and technicians who are capable of contributing in many ways to public health, agricultural, and industrial activities. Russia's ecological diversity and expanse are unparalleled, and its specialists have a long and distinguished history in research and epidemiological investigations of many infectious agents of global interest.
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From page 15... ...
Nevertheless, discernible progress in combating infectious diseases can be made if political will and available resources are carefully directed at the priority topics suggested in this report. The Russian government must, of course, continue to develop its own vision of the future, and this report should provide useful 2The dire state of the public health care system in Russia is discussed in C
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From page 16... ...
Throughout the course of this study, the organizational structure of the Russian government underwent substantial changes (see, for example, Box I.2 on new, high-level organizational responsibilities for health-related activities and Appendix E for the responsibilities of the new Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Health and Social Development)
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From page 17... ...
interest in bilateral cooperation with Russia in the fields of biological science and technology has been stimulated in part by the following factors: · high potential of Russia's biological research and industrial complex to support both civilian and military programs · significance of efforts by the Russian government during the past several years to revitalize research capabilities and apply them to solving social and economic problems · Russia's vast ecological diversity, which offers unique environments for research in the life sciences and provides opportunities for detecting the early emergence and movement of dangerous diseases of global importance · marketing opportunities within Russia for western companies that provide biological products and services Many of the cooperative activities promoted by the U.S. government during the past decade have been nonproliferation programs designed to help prevent the spread of Russian expertise to countries and groups that may attempt to develop biological capabilities for purposes hostile to U.S.
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From page 18... ...
The 2003 report Microbial Threats to Health highlighted the connections between biological, environmental, social, and political factors that complicate the development of meaningful and sustainable solutions to address infectious diseases. The related report, Countering Agricultural Bioterrorism, undertaken by the NRC's Board on Agriculture at the request of the U.S.
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From page 19... ...
They are as follows: · strengthening Russia's surveillance capabilities for detecting, diagnosing, and reporting outbreaks of both well-known and newly-emerging diseases (Chapter 2) · focusing laboratory research and epidemiology to support priority public health programs and related agricultural programs more effectively (Chapter 3)
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From page 20... ...
A further significant goal is the continued integration of former defense facilities and associated technical personnel into the broader civilian scientific infrastructure of the country. Sources of financing to sustain programs that help prevent the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases are also important.
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