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The End of Epidemics: The Looming Threat to Humanity and How to Stop It
A leading doctor offers answers on the one of the most urgent questions of our time: How do we prevent the next global pandemic?
The 2020 outbreak of coronavirus has terrified the world--and revealed how unprepared we are for the next outbreak of an infectious disease. Somewhere in nature, a killer virus is boiling up in the bloodstream of a bird, bat, monkey, or pig, preparing to jump to a human being. This not-yet-detected germ has the potential to wipe out millions of lives over a matter of weeks or months. That risk makes the threat posed by ISIS, a ground war, a massive climate event, or even the dropping of a nuclear bomb on a major city pale in comparison.
In The End of Epidemics, Duke Global Health Institute faculty member and past Chair of the Global Health Council Dr. Jonathan D. Quick examines the eradication of smallpox and devastating effects of influenza, AIDS, SARS, Ebola, and other viral diseases . Analyzing local and global efforts to contain these diseases and citing firsthand accounts of failure and success, Dr. Quick proposes a new set of actions which he has coined "The Power of Seven," to end epidemics before they can begin. These actions include:
- Spend prudently to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes, rather than spending too little, too late
- Ensure prompt, open, and accurate communication between nations and aid agencies, instead of secrecy and territorial disputes
- Fight disease and prevent panic with innovation and good science
Practical and urgent, The End of Epidemics is crucial reading for citizens, health professionals, and policy makers alike.
The 2020 outbreak of coronavirus has terrified the world--and revealed how unprepared we are for the next outbreak of an infectious disease. Somewhere in nature, a killer virus is boiling up in the bloodstream of a bird, bat, monkey, or pig, preparing to jump to a human being. This not-yet-detected germ has the potential to wipe out millions of lives over a matter of weeks or months. That risk makes the threat posed by ISIS, a ground war, a massive climate event, or even the dropping of a nuclear bomb on a major city pale in comparison.
In The End of Epidemics, Duke Global Health Institute faculty member and past Chair of the Global Health Council Dr. Jonathan D. Quick examines the eradication of smallpox and devastating effects of influenza, AIDS, SARS, Ebola, and other viral diseases . Analyzing local and global efforts to contain these diseases and citing firsthand accounts of failure and success, Dr. Quick proposes a new set of actions which he has coined "The Power of Seven," to end epidemics before they can begin. These actions include:
- Spend prudently to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes, rather than spending too little, too late
- Ensure prompt, open, and accurate communication between nations and aid agencies, instead of secrecy and territorial disputes
- Fight disease and prevent panic with innovation and good science
Practical and urgent, The End of Epidemics is crucial reading for citizens, health professionals, and policy makers alike.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published January 30, 2018
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February 10, 2022
What frightened me? Certainly the prediction by Bill Gates and his team that an epidemic like the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed 50 million people could happen again today—and that in the first 200 days it could kill 33 million people. That’s almost as many people as AIDS has killed over four decades. Even scarier was the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch assessment that the threat of a global pandemic could claim more than 300 million lives and cost the global economy as much as US$3.5 trillion.There are many things to be concerned about in this world, justifiably. Terrorism, global warming, the undermining of democracy by dark forces. (The Patriots winning yet another Super Bowl) I know that we are, or certainly should be, concerned about the potential carnage that might be wrought by some lunatic (you know the one) doing something in a fit of pique over an insulting tweet, and sending considerable supplies of glowing ordnance rocketing about the planet. Millions would perish. Landscapes would be rendered uninhabitable for decades, if not centuries, if not forever. A worldwide engagement in such insanity would slaughter hundreds of millions. We have experienced large-scale human die-offs before, in wars, of course, but there are other sorts of global catastrophes (defined as events that could wipe out 10% of humanity) that could kill even more.
The Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918 may have killed as much as 5% of the world population. Some outbreaks since then infected over a third of the world’s population (e.g., pandemic influenza), whereas others killed over half of people infected (e.g., Ebola or SARS). If a disease were to emerge that was as transmissible as the flu and as lethal as Ebola, the results could be catastrophic. Fortunately, this rarely transpires, but it is possible that it could, for example with the H5N1 influenza virus. - from the Global Catastrophic Risks reportThere may not be a lot we can do about deranged leaders, other than vote them out of office, where untampered voting is an option. But there is a lot we can do to take on the growing challenges of potential epidemics and pandemics. Preventing the emergence of a global deadly pandemic afflicting vast swaths of the world’s people can save as many lives, and maybe even more lives, than averting a nuclear war. This is the point of The End of Epidemics.
Jonathan Quick - Image from Scribe Publications
Dr. Jonathan D. Quick, MD, MPH, a family physician, has been working in international health since the 1970s, was Director of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy at the World Health Organization from 1993 to 2003. He is a fellow at Management Sciences for Health (MSH), a non-profit founded in 1971 to assist local communities in distressed nations establish health care delivery systems. He has authored over a hundred books, articles and book chapters, and is a long-term advisor to health care projects in Afghanistan and Kenya. He has gotten up close and personal with some of the worst threats to human health and decided to put together a plan of action after the West African Ebola epidemic killed over 11,000 people and orphaned more than 16,000 children.
Once the world woke up to the crisis, there was a generous outpouring of assistance. As the response peaked, I was consumed by nagging questions: Where will we be four or five years from now? Will the world have gone back to sleep? What’s needed to protect the world from future outbreaks? To find the answers, I explored the lessons from epidemics over the last century – smallpox, AIDS, SARS, avian flu, swine flu, Ebola, Zika – and I drew on some of the best minds, experienced professionals and committed citizen activists in global health, infectious disease, and pandemic preparedness. - from the MSH site
Influenza victims at Fort Riley, Kan., during the 1918 epidemic - image from the Boston Globe
He lays out a seven-step program for averting future epidemic crises, (lofty goals) then drills down into each of the seven to add flesh to the bones, specifics to the generalities. In doing so, he offers considerable historical perspective. This is what happened here at this point in time. This is what was done to address the medical problem. This is what was done to raise public awareness. This is what was done to use the fuel of that awareness to effect change in laws, resource allocation, and results.
Here are his Seven sets of actions needed for preventing and coping with epidemics
(1) Ensuring bold leadership at all levels
(2) Building resilient health systems
(3) Fortifying three lines of defense against disease (prevention, detection, and response)
(4) Ensuring timely and accurate communications
(5) Investing in smart, new innovation
(6) Spending wisely to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes
(7) Mobilizing citizen activism
If your brain works at all like mine, your first instinct is to engage in a little recreational eye-rolling, accompanied by mutterings such as, “uh huh, and how do you define that?” Or, “Oh, really? And who gets to say what constitutes “timely and accurate”, “smart”, and “wisely?” All seven sound like lofty, and very ill-defined goals. But Quick addresses each of these goals using real-world experience and translates them into examples, offering actions that can be taken. I soon parked the snark and took in what was being offered. While there are plenty of short-sighted, self-serving jerks who will stop at nothing to interfere with making the world a better place (Even today, needle exchanges are banned in almost every state in the southern U.S., where the AIDS epidemic is now concentrated and HIV infection rates are ten times higher than in other parts of the country.), there are also a lot of knowledgeable, committed people, care providers, religious, political and business leaders, eager to identify and implement mechanisms for change, for improving access to health care, for developing new vaccinations and treatments, for organizing distribution networks where few or none now exist, for educating populations on the realities of transmissible disease exposure and for working with local communities to address today’s health challenges and defend against potential horrors.
The AIDS virus – image from Avert.org
There is frightening intel in this book on the sources of new pathogens, from bush meat to factory farms, to unemployed bio-engineers. In addition, there is brain-candy material on how several of the all-star list of epidemic diseases got their start, and how they were brought from their birthplaces to the rest of the world. Fascinating, powerful stuff. One particular bit of important analysis here is on the secondary impact of epidemics. The damage is not just to those immediately afflicted, but to those around them and to entire economies.
As with war, where common illness can take more lives than war injuries, epidemics sometimes take more lives from disruption of primary healthcare than from the epidemic itself. Because health workers are diverted to emergency response centers and health facilities are sometimes closed, epidemics can also disrupt routine public health care needs such as immunization, treatment of acute illness, and facility-based births.He looks not only at how we manage to put our hands over our ears and rattle out sound-blocking la-la-la-la-la-la noises, but takes it a step further to try to understand why we do that. He also reports on some remarkable success stories, including, over a long-term, the West coming to grips with the HIV crisis to the point where, while still a major life-threatening disease, it is now a manageable long-term condition and not an instant death-sentence. With concentrated and persistent effort progress can be made. Quick cites some other remarkable success stories in Africa that have received scant coverage in Western media. He gets specific on how much money would be needed to undertake the program he proposes, (chicken feed) and compares that with the cost of failing to do so.
New diseases are cropping up at a faster rate than ever before. Since 1971, scientists have discovered at least 25 new pathogens for which we have no vaccine and no treatment. Where do new diseases come from? What is the impact of actions by people on the creation of new diseases? We face threats from bioterror. What would ISIS do with a designer virus? Bio-error presents another risk. I can certainly image a future president (Merkin Muffley?) getting on the phone to a foreign leader to fill him or her in on the oopsy release of an engineered bug, even if it had been intended only for testing and defense purposes. Well, how do you think I feel about it, Dmitri? Hopefully, a sufficient number of forward-looking world leaders will have already established protocols to make that call one that is intended to deliver information, and not induce a retaliatory doomsday panic. And what about unintended consequences from bio-engineered materials that go rogue?
The Ebola virus – image from Wikimedia
If you are a public health policy junkie (it was my first career out of graduate school, and that monkey took up permanent residence on my back), this is mainlining material. The stakes could not be higher, the need for long-term-planning could not be clearer.
We provide considerable funding for the military and charge them with the broad mission of keeping us safe from foreign threats. Given the potential for danger to the lives of citizens, doesn’t it make sense to direct resources toward preventing such losses where the potential for carnage is greatest? And don’t forget that many of the diseases that we fear here have their origins elsewhere, as air travel allows stowaway bugs to cross the globe in a matter of days. So, in our ever-smaller world, resources need to be directed to the sources over there of some of our exposure here at home.
H5N1 Influenza Virus – image from Wikimedia
I have two gripes about the book. Quick calls his program The Power of 7. Sorry, but that sounds like a Sesame Street segment, or yet another group of Marvel superheroes, maybe a vitamin drink. I am sure there is a PR firm somewhere that would be happy to earn some pro-bono brownie points by coming up with something better. Second, and this is a more passing thing, early in the book the author tended to sound like one of those people whose focus is more on himself than his message. Even if the content of what he is saying is true, it’s just poor form. Sentences like I was hosting a videoconference for the global health nonprofit that I led… or it comforts me to know that I’m part of an organization that’s truly committed to saving lives. Thankfully this sort of thing vanishes pretty quickly, and focus on the message proceeds without further such asides.
While I can definitely see this being of particular interest to readers who share my personal addiction, I could see it being used even more productively in colleges and graduate schools. It should be required reading in all MPH (Master of Public Health) programs and in any courses, graduate or undergraduate, that address global health issues. It should certainly find its way to every political leader in a position to impact public health legislation, and to all those charged with managing health care institutions, public and private. It wouldn’t hurt to slip a copy over the transom of every foundation that funds such things. Maybe the Gates Foundation, or a similar entity could see to such a global distribution.
SARS-associated coronavirus- image from ThingLink.com
The End of Epidemics is reality-based, offers fully-informed analyses of existing and projected medical dangers, and presents a well-thought-out program for averting catastrophic loss of life across the planet. It is a significant distillation of current knowledge on how to go about ensuring that we actually have future generations, and for anyone involved in public policy it is a must-read. For the rest of us, it is a readable, worthwhile, informative look at a potentially imminent global danger. I hope the knowledge presented in this book and the optimism of its author, infects readers, and is passed on to many, many others.
Published – 1/30/18
Review first posted - 2/2/18
Added bit on February 2022 reposting - The prescience of Quick’s concerns is impressive, even though his predictions were, in fact, conservative, and based on established science. Thankfully, COVID was not as lethal as Ebola or Marburg. It was, and remains, lethal enough. The importance of this book, looking back from 2022, cannot be overstated. I can only hope that it finds a readership among public health officials and legislators sitting on health-care-related committees.
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to the author’s personal, Twitter and FB pages
From This Week in Global Health - a fascinating interview with Dr. Quick
A short video in which Quick talks about his End of Epidemics project
ResearchGate offers a list of Quick’s writings, many of which can be downloaded in their entirety for free.
From Science Alert, a short article on the ranking of potentially horrific events - New Report Officially Ranks All The Catastrophes That Could Wipe Us Out in 2016
The report cited by the above article is from the Global Priorities Project - Global Catastrophic Risks - 2016
Flue Near You is a crowd-sourcing system for early detection of you-know-what. It takes data from participants across the country, anonymously. Check it out.
January 18, 2018 - NY Times - Flu Hospitalization Rates Are the Highest in Years. Here’s Why. - by Donald G. McNeil Jr
in some places — including Southern California, Pennsylvania and central Texas — some hospitals have seen so many flu patients that they had to set up triage tents or turn other patients away. Local shortages of antiviral medications and flu vaccines have been reported, and the C.D.C. said patients may have to call several pharmacies to find shots or to fulfill prescriptions.
April 24, 2018
I wanted to like this book. I love reading books about epidemics and pandemics and predictions for the next big one. This book is researched, thorough, and updated to include the ebola outbreak; however, it has two flaws, one big and one small. The smaller flaw is the "how to end it" really isn't anything new, but this could be due to my profession which is related to pandemics and epidemics. The major flaw that I could not get past is how this book is incredibly human-centric. There is no OneHealth approach, barely a glance at reasons for diseases jumping species barriers (even though this is a major point to any pandemic), and writing off those few that are mentioned as more non-human animal specific (BSE, swine influenza) as being the fault of greed or farming practice without understand or exploring the science behind the decisions (why we didn't think BSE would jump or how, grey area that it is and improvement though it needs, factory farming has removed other prevalent diseases).
I can get pass the wordiness and sometimes dry reading, but I cannot look past the obvious lack of input from a veterinarian viewpoint. We're all connected, humans and animals. Without realizing that aspect, without delving more into that crucial point, the rest of the suggestions will not mean much in the end.
One last thought: it focuses too much on fear and fear makes people irrational. I'm not a fan of books that take such a tone with subjects like this one even as it tries to give a "good news" approach towards the end.
I can get pass the wordiness and sometimes dry reading, but I cannot look past the obvious lack of input from a veterinarian viewpoint. We're all connected, humans and animals. Without realizing that aspect, without delving more into that crucial point, the rest of the suggestions will not mean much in the end.
One last thought: it focuses too much on fear and fear makes people irrational. I'm not a fan of books that take such a tone with subjects like this one even as it tries to give a "good news" approach towards the end.
May 30, 2018
Powerful wake up call to get serious about epidemics.
January 7, 2021
This is a 2018 book about epidemic and related threats (bioterrorism, for example). It is highly informative and does a good job on the public health mass disease threats that have been under consideration in the last three decades and even before. It did not predict COVID-19 of course but given how COVID developed, the author and colleagues seemed prescient.
What is most distinctive about this book is its focus on the management of the public health effort, ranging from such matters as keeping up with and supporting the science, to developing and distributing vaccines to coordinating local efforts to provide public health services, to the development and management of health information systems. Managing the PH effort is not just a matter of following the science rather than the politics, but a matter of getting the right material out to the local communities that will need it, in such a way that the local population trusts the PH authorities and takes an active role of prevention and treatment programs.
This portion of the book is highly relevant to understanding the weaknesses of the US efforts against COVID-19. The author provides seven guidelines, including leadership, the development of national health systems, the inclusion of prevention and readiness programs along with treatment programs, the management of communications and public reporting to foster trust and compliance in the population, as well as issues of innovation and investment in PH capacities. Using the management categories provided in the book permits a virtual chronicling of how US efforts went wrong. The book is also very sharp of the economic and social consequences of pandemics both in the types of effects and in the magnitude of economic damage.
The author is a highly experienced and effective public health expert who spent considerable time with the WHO and now works with a major advisory firm providing guidance to international actors involved in preventing and fighting epidemics.
Even though it does not cover COCID-19, the book is enlightening and well worth reading.
What is most distinctive about this book is its focus on the management of the public health effort, ranging from such matters as keeping up with and supporting the science, to developing and distributing vaccines to coordinating local efforts to provide public health services, to the development and management of health information systems. Managing the PH effort is not just a matter of following the science rather than the politics, but a matter of getting the right material out to the local communities that will need it, in such a way that the local population trusts the PH authorities and takes an active role of prevention and treatment programs.
This portion of the book is highly relevant to understanding the weaknesses of the US efforts against COVID-19. The author provides seven guidelines, including leadership, the development of national health systems, the inclusion of prevention and readiness programs along with treatment programs, the management of communications and public reporting to foster trust and compliance in the population, as well as issues of innovation and investment in PH capacities. Using the management categories provided in the book permits a virtual chronicling of how US efforts went wrong. The book is also very sharp of the economic and social consequences of pandemics both in the types of effects and in the magnitude of economic damage.
The author is a highly experienced and effective public health expert who spent considerable time with the WHO and now works with a major advisory firm providing guidance to international actors involved in preventing and fighting epidemics.
Even though it does not cover COCID-19, the book is enlightening and well worth reading.
December 25, 2020
Published in 2018, this book is a timely and comprehensive read that not only highlights the complex challenges posed by epidemics, but also proposes a set of strategies to combat them.
The book is divided into 2 parts. The first part mostly discusses the threats posed by epidemics via examples and going through the history of some previous epidemics. In the second part, the author establishes 7 sets of actions for preventing epidemics, which he calls “The Power of Seven”.
This book is different from others that address this topic as it goes beyond explaining the science of infectious pathogens and epidemics and focuses on policy changes. The author proposes highly valuable strategies based on prevention, early detection, and rapid response and adopts a multidisciplinary perspective to fighting epidemics (e.g. mosquito control, vaccines, rapid tests, community engagement) and mentions numerous global initiatives and campaigns. Unfortunately however, there’s no mention of OneHealth, which is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address public health issues such as controlling zoonotic diseases. In addition, there are some minor inaccuracies in the book: the author refers to mad cow disease (which is caused by a transmissible misfolded protein called “prion”) as caused by a “killer virus”; the author also uses the terms HIV and AIDS interchangeably; and once mistakenly refers to malaria (which is a parasite) as a virus.
Nevertheless, this is an informative and accessible book that I believe should be read by global and public health professionals, policymakers, and others in charge of health emergency preparedness and response. I would also highly recommend it to readers interested in learning about pandemic threats and efforts to control them.
The book is divided into 2 parts. The first part mostly discusses the threats posed by epidemics via examples and going through the history of some previous epidemics. In the second part, the author establishes 7 sets of actions for preventing epidemics, which he calls “The Power of Seven”.
This book is different from others that address this topic as it goes beyond explaining the science of infectious pathogens and epidemics and focuses on policy changes. The author proposes highly valuable strategies based on prevention, early detection, and rapid response and adopts a multidisciplinary perspective to fighting epidemics (e.g. mosquito control, vaccines, rapid tests, community engagement) and mentions numerous global initiatives and campaigns. Unfortunately however, there’s no mention of OneHealth, which is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address public health issues such as controlling zoonotic diseases. In addition, there are some minor inaccuracies in the book: the author refers to mad cow disease (which is caused by a transmissible misfolded protein called “prion”) as caused by a “killer virus”; the author also uses the terms HIV and AIDS interchangeably; and once mistakenly refers to malaria (which is a parasite) as a virus.
Nevertheless, this is an informative and accessible book that I believe should be read by global and public health professionals, policymakers, and others in charge of health emergency preparedness and response. I would also highly recommend it to readers interested in learning about pandemic threats and efforts to control them.
April 29, 2020
This was a good read. Author Jonathan D. Quick covers most things epidemiology and epidemic here.
The book talks mainly about five epidemics: smallpox, influenza, AIDS, SARS, and Ebola, but also mentions bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), anthrax, and a few others.
The author lays out the thesis of the book early on:
"In this book, through examples and evidence, I will establish the seven fundamental sets of actions needed for preventing epidemics: (1) ensuring bold leadership at all levels; (2) building resilient health systems; (3) fortifying three lines of defense against disease (prevention, detection, and response); (4) ensuring timely and accurate communication; (5) investing in smart, new innovation; (6) spending wisely to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes; and (7) mobilizing citizen activism. I’m convinced that a combination of these actions could be achieved within a decade. Working together, The Power of Seven would put us well on the path to an epidemic-free world.
Dangerous microbes will always be out there, and small outbreaks that kill tens or hundreds of people will continue to occur. But if we can send people to the moon, if we can eradicate smallpox, if we can mount the largest public health treatment effort in history as we did for AIDS, surely we can end epidemics."
Quick is trying to raise the alarm. He asserts that our governments are not collectively preparing for a new pandemic threat. The book has a somewhat alarmist tone about it, and also correctly states that the political willpower to take preventative measures is seriously lacking. He is speaking with unfortunate foresight, as shown by the destruction that COVID-19 has wreaked across the world.
The book's format is a bit strange; it is presented with many hypertext passages and bullet-point blurbs.
This book is a good primer on infectious disease and epidemiology. I would recommend it to anyone interested in either.
3.5 stars.
The book talks mainly about five epidemics: smallpox, influenza, AIDS, SARS, and Ebola, but also mentions bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), anthrax, and a few others.
The author lays out the thesis of the book early on:
"In this book, through examples and evidence, I will establish the seven fundamental sets of actions needed for preventing epidemics: (1) ensuring bold leadership at all levels; (2) building resilient health systems; (3) fortifying three lines of defense against disease (prevention, detection, and response); (4) ensuring timely and accurate communication; (5) investing in smart, new innovation; (6) spending wisely to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes; and (7) mobilizing citizen activism. I’m convinced that a combination of these actions could be achieved within a decade. Working together, The Power of Seven would put us well on the path to an epidemic-free world.
Dangerous microbes will always be out there, and small outbreaks that kill tens or hundreds of people will continue to occur. But if we can send people to the moon, if we can eradicate smallpox, if we can mount the largest public health treatment effort in history as we did for AIDS, surely we can end epidemics."
Quick is trying to raise the alarm. He asserts that our governments are not collectively preparing for a new pandemic threat. The book has a somewhat alarmist tone about it, and also correctly states that the political willpower to take preventative measures is seriously lacking. He is speaking with unfortunate foresight, as shown by the destruction that COVID-19 has wreaked across the world.
The book's format is a bit strange; it is presented with many hypertext passages and bullet-point blurbs.
This book is a good primer on infectious disease and epidemiology. I would recommend it to anyone interested in either.
3.5 stars.
July 1, 2020
When I started listening to this in 2018, I had to stop because it made me very anxious.
2020 sorted that out lmao.
A great book, would definitely recommend.
2020 sorted that out lmao.
A great book, would definitely recommend.
January 20, 2021
I bought this book in March of 2020 and started reading it right away, I found it a fascinating read during a time where I didn’t know much about epidemics and I couldn’t put it down. But as the Covid-19 situation in the world got worse, reading this book started making me angry and anxious so I decided to put it down for a while. My anxiety didn’t go away, but at least I wasn’t actively fueling it, the world was doing a very good job at it, all by itself.
I picked the book back up a few days ago and I’m glad I decided to finish it. After reading it, I’m very surprised a pandemic like the one we’re currently in didn’t happen sooner.
The author focuses on preventing epidemics/pandemics but also gives us a quick history of previous epidemics, talks about how some diseases have been eradicated and the governments and institutional screw ups that many times have gotten us close to an epidemic/pandemic in recent times.
I highly recommend this book.
I picked the book back up a few days ago and I’m glad I decided to finish it. After reading it, I’m very surprised a pandemic like the one we’re currently in didn’t happen sooner.
The author focuses on preventing epidemics/pandemics but also gives us a quick history of previous epidemics, talks about how some diseases have been eradicated and the governments and institutional screw ups that many times have gotten us close to an epidemic/pandemic in recent times.
I highly recommend this book.
January 10, 2019
This was an enlightening, if at times terrifying, book about how the world can take steps to end epidemics. This requires much of the public in terms of public health science knowledge and activism (heads up: this book and the author is very pro-vaccine, which was not a problem at all for me because I am also, but YMMV). This also requires much of our politicians, which I just won't hold my breath. In the age of disinformation and outright lies spread by social media, I feel Dr. Quick's methods face an uphill battle.
The first part of the book explains how and where the viruses, bacteria, and parasites that are plaguing our health are coming from (the bush, the barn, the hospital, etc) and how these organisms jumped from animals to humans. The second part is a seven steps (each step gets a chapter) for bolstering public health systems around the world and keeping animal sickness contained to animals and keeping outbreaks contained. Dr. Quick uses real world examples (a lot of Ebola, AIDS, SARS, etc) of how a strong leadership and a strong public health can do it right and how the opposite can be fatal to the world's population. Lessons were learned, systems were re-designed. Technology is also playing a part, as well as outside the box research ideas.
Yet it comes down to the people being smart enough to demand better from their political and public health system and do the heavy lifting themselves (such as keeping up on vaccines). I just don't think we (Americans) are ready and with so much disinformation spread via social media, I don't think we will be ready for a long time.
The first part of the book explains how and where the viruses, bacteria, and parasites that are plaguing our health are coming from (the bush, the barn, the hospital, etc) and how these organisms jumped from animals to humans. The second part is a seven steps (each step gets a chapter) for bolstering public health systems around the world and keeping animal sickness contained to animals and keeping outbreaks contained. Dr. Quick uses real world examples (a lot of Ebola, AIDS, SARS, etc) of how a strong leadership and a strong public health can do it right and how the opposite can be fatal to the world's population. Lessons were learned, systems were re-designed. Technology is also playing a part, as well as outside the box research ideas.
Yet it comes down to the people being smart enough to demand better from their political and public health system and do the heavy lifting themselves (such as keeping up on vaccines). I just don't think we (Americans) are ready and with so much disinformation spread via social media, I don't think we will be ready for a long time.
July 14, 2019
It was okay. Basically a medical paper that's been turned into a book.
November 13, 2022
TL;DR: The first part was good, most of the second part was bad. Overall a decent read if you're interested in public health and policy.
I picked this book up for 3 dollars when I was in Nashville! As an "armchair epidemiologist" (meaning I have no actual qualifications to be an epidemiologist), I was interested in this magnanimous plan the author believed would end epidemics, so I picked it up. The book is divided into two parts. The first part is essentially the "why do I care?" section, and highlights the danger of epidemics (and bio-terrorism, which I thought was a neat add-in) and how woefully under-prepared we are for an epidemic. The second portion focuses on the author's "Power of Seven" plan to reduce the impact of epidemics, or stop them altogether.
Firstly, the good parts. I thought the book started off strong, with part one really hammering home the frightening aspects of an epidemic. I loved this section, and I always found myself wanting to pick it up when I was doing something else. The book is also well written - there is little complex language, and it seems like the author intended for this to be read by the general public. This is, put simply, an easy book to pick up. You could have absolutely no knowledge of science or medicine and still get the gist of it, and I think that is a quality of good pop science books.
Now to the not-so-good parts of the book. I thought that most of part two was a slog to read. The content wasn't the issue here; the second half of the book just wasn't exciting to read. The way it was written was formulaic, and it lacked the "cool factor" that I think is necessary for successful pop science books. Instead, it reads similar to a Sparknotes version of an official report. Getting into the later chapters, I really just found myself wanting to finish it rather than wanting to see what is next, which, for my rating system, guarantees a 3-star or less rating.
Overall, I would not recommend this book if, like me, you are more interested in the biology of disease and epidemics. However, if you are also interested in the public health and policy aspects of epidemics, then this book is for you. For me though, I'd much prefer a biology book than a public policy one, so this was not my cup of tea.
I picked this book up for 3 dollars when I was in Nashville! As an "armchair epidemiologist" (meaning I have no actual qualifications to be an epidemiologist), I was interested in this magnanimous plan the author believed would end epidemics, so I picked it up. The book is divided into two parts. The first part is essentially the "why do I care?" section, and highlights the danger of epidemics (and bio-terrorism, which I thought was a neat add-in) and how woefully under-prepared we are for an epidemic. The second portion focuses on the author's "Power of Seven" plan to reduce the impact of epidemics, or stop them altogether.
Firstly, the good parts. I thought the book started off strong, with part one really hammering home the frightening aspects of an epidemic. I loved this section, and I always found myself wanting to pick it up when I was doing something else. The book is also well written - there is little complex language, and it seems like the author intended for this to be read by the general public. This is, put simply, an easy book to pick up. You could have absolutely no knowledge of science or medicine and still get the gist of it, and I think that is a quality of good pop science books.
Now to the not-so-good parts of the book. I thought that most of part two was a slog to read. The content wasn't the issue here; the second half of the book just wasn't exciting to read. The way it was written was formulaic, and it lacked the "cool factor" that I think is necessary for successful pop science books. Instead, it reads similar to a Sparknotes version of an official report. Getting into the later chapters, I really just found myself wanting to finish it rather than wanting to see what is next, which, for my rating system, guarantees a 3-star or less rating.
Overall, I would not recommend this book if, like me, you are more interested in the biology of disease and epidemics. However, if you are also interested in the public health and policy aspects of epidemics, then this book is for you. For me though, I'd much prefer a biology book than a public policy one, so this was not my cup of tea.
Read
June 18, 2020Infectious disease outbreaks rival natural disasters and wars in their capacity to endanger human health, cripple economies and disrupt societies. The End of Epidemics shows us that by learning from the past we can build a world more resilient to infectious disease. But we must act quickly.’
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Director, Welcome Trust
A down to earth account of what we know about epidemics, packaged wisely in 7 basic recommendations for action. The End of Epidemics proposes a new marriage of stakeholders: patients, communities, industry, doctors, political leaders, NGOs and philanthropies. Must read!
Dr. Joanne Liu, International President, MSF (Doctors without Borders)
Dr. Quick makes a compelling case for the public and private sector to elevate their work on preparation, response and rehabilitation around epidemics. The End of Epidemics makes the case from a social and an economic perspective that we have a collective responsibility to take action now.
Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
The End of Epidemics presents actions, insights and a compelling tale of how individuals — whether citizens or leaders — can stand together with science and innovation to slow or stop the ever-present risk of disease outbreaks and epidemics. His message: the power of Seven, power of one and the power of many.
Dr. Heidi Larsen, Director, Vaccine Confidence Project
Rich in stories, The End of Epidemics is a powerful wake up call to get serious about epidemic threats. Quick offers down to earth solutions to prevent small and mega pandemics, a hundred years after the catastrophic 1918 Spanish flu.
Professor Peter Piot, Director, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
The End of Epidemics presents the challenge represented by global epidemiological risks and offers a convincing set of prescriptions to address them. It is a captivating book that combines the best public health evidence with compelling real-life stories.
Dr. Julio Frenk, President, University of Miami; Former Minister of Health, Mexico; and Former Dean, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Quick is an internationally recognised leader in global heath — his focus on innovation and new technologies is vital to pandemic threat prevention and preparedness to save lives around the globe.
Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation
Jonathan Quick offers a compelling and intensely readable plan to prevent worldwide infectious outbreaks. The End of Epidemics is essential reading for those who might be affected by a future pandemic — that is, just about everyone.
Sandeep Jauhar, Bestselling Author of Intern and Doctored
Dr. Jonathan Quick has written an insightful, accessible and personal history of modern epidemics, including such killers as smallpox and Ebola, and their dramatic impact on our lives and world. More importantly, Dr. Quick is not merely wringing his hands about the infectious catastrophes that are surely facing us, but focuses on the important actions needed to prevent social, economic and health consequences of inattention. Governments, international institutions, the private sector, and civil society had better take heed: prepare and plan now — or pay the price, in dollars and lives, tomorrow.
Rear Admiral Kenneth Bernard, Former Senior Official for Biodefense and Health Security Under President G.W. Bush and President Clinton
A well-documented and gripping account of the peril posed by pandemics. Dr. Quick, a global health leader from the front lines of the AIDS and Ebola, weaves rich historical facts and decades of personal experience to ring the alarm over the pandemic threat.
Dr. Ariel Pablos-Mendez, Former Head of Global Health, US Agency for International Development
Once in a while, we get a state-of-the-art synthesis of the complex problem of epidemics. Once in a very great while, such a summary is informed by deep experience battling them and by both passion and pragmatism. Only rarely — and this is the case in Quick’s The End of Epidemics
— is such an informed synthesis as readable as it is informed and as humane as it is pragmatic. The result is inspiring.
Paul Farmer, MD, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Partners in Health
Sobering reading for public health officials and infectious disease students and perhaps inspiration for would-be activists to get busy. For general readers: get your flu shot.
Kirkus Reviews
Informative ... Without excess alarmism, Quick and Fryer show that such factors as climate change, terrorism, and the global food system put the next pandemic just around the corner.
Publishers Weekly
[S]even ways of preventing an infectious disease from reaching its pandemic potential … What makes [The End of Epidemics] a good, highly readable primer are its convincing examples and vivid human stories
The Economist
Dr. Quick's urgent message makes one hope that this book will reach a huge audience and that its exhortations will be acted on everywhere.
The Wall Street Journal
Pragmatic, insightful and research-rich, this is a key volume for the policymaker's shelf.
Nature
For readers interested in their own well-being and public health as well as ways to advocate for issues of great concern and urgency.
Library Journal
Quick offers a humane, readable, coherent analysis for would-be health leaders and disease responders, organised simultaneously as a handy reference tool for crisis response, and an outbreak explainer that in parts, thanks to assisting science writer Bronwyn Fryer, sizzles.
The Lancet
Dr Quick has written a fascinating book. Following decades working in some of the world’s most epidemic-prone countries, he argues for scientific and public health developments that can save humanity from deadly micro-organisms.
Dr David Heymann, Professor, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
This detailed book not only breaks down the science behind killer viruses, but tells the stories of medical pioneers whose tireless work has prevented debilitating epidemics, and could even help put an end to them forever.
GQ Australia
The End of Epidemics offers hope as Quick tells the stories of the heroes, past and present, who’ve succeeded in their fights to stop the spread of illness and death. The explains the science and the politics of epidemics and shows exactly how we can prevent, and end, epidemics in the future.
The News – Westport
In The End of Epidemics, Quick and co-author Bronwyn Fryer spell out the seven biggest things we need to stop those outbreaks becoming epidemics. It is an impressive wish list.
New Scientist
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Director, Welcome Trust
A down to earth account of what we know about epidemics, packaged wisely in 7 basic recommendations for action. The End of Epidemics proposes a new marriage of stakeholders: patients, communities, industry, doctors, political leaders, NGOs and philanthropies. Must read!
Dr. Joanne Liu, International President, MSF (Doctors without Borders)
Dr. Quick makes a compelling case for the public and private sector to elevate their work on preparation, response and rehabilitation around epidemics. The End of Epidemics makes the case from a social and an economic perspective that we have a collective responsibility to take action now.
Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
The End of Epidemics presents actions, insights and a compelling tale of how individuals — whether citizens or leaders — can stand together with science and innovation to slow or stop the ever-present risk of disease outbreaks and epidemics. His message: the power of Seven, power of one and the power of many.
Dr. Heidi Larsen, Director, Vaccine Confidence Project
Rich in stories, The End of Epidemics is a powerful wake up call to get serious about epidemic threats. Quick offers down to earth solutions to prevent small and mega pandemics, a hundred years after the catastrophic 1918 Spanish flu.
Professor Peter Piot, Director, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
The End of Epidemics presents the challenge represented by global epidemiological risks and offers a convincing set of prescriptions to address them. It is a captivating book that combines the best public health evidence with compelling real-life stories.
Dr. Julio Frenk, President, University of Miami; Former Minister of Health, Mexico; and Former Dean, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Quick is an internationally recognised leader in global heath — his focus on innovation and new technologies is vital to pandemic threat prevention and preparedness to save lives around the globe.
Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation
Jonathan Quick offers a compelling and intensely readable plan to prevent worldwide infectious outbreaks. The End of Epidemics is essential reading for those who might be affected by a future pandemic — that is, just about everyone.
Sandeep Jauhar, Bestselling Author of Intern and Doctored
Dr. Jonathan Quick has written an insightful, accessible and personal history of modern epidemics, including such killers as smallpox and Ebola, and their dramatic impact on our lives and world. More importantly, Dr. Quick is not merely wringing his hands about the infectious catastrophes that are surely facing us, but focuses on the important actions needed to prevent social, economic and health consequences of inattention. Governments, international institutions, the private sector, and civil society had better take heed: prepare and plan now — or pay the price, in dollars and lives, tomorrow.
Rear Admiral Kenneth Bernard, Former Senior Official for Biodefense and Health Security Under President G.W. Bush and President Clinton
A well-documented and gripping account of the peril posed by pandemics. Dr. Quick, a global health leader from the front lines of the AIDS and Ebola, weaves rich historical facts and decades of personal experience to ring the alarm over the pandemic threat.
Dr. Ariel Pablos-Mendez, Former Head of Global Health, US Agency for International Development
Once in a while, we get a state-of-the-art synthesis of the complex problem of epidemics. Once in a very great while, such a summary is informed by deep experience battling them and by both passion and pragmatism. Only rarely — and this is the case in Quick’s The End of Epidemics
— is such an informed synthesis as readable as it is informed and as humane as it is pragmatic. The result is inspiring.
Paul Farmer, MD, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Partners in Health
Sobering reading for public health officials and infectious disease students and perhaps inspiration for would-be activists to get busy. For general readers: get your flu shot.
Kirkus Reviews
Informative ... Without excess alarmism, Quick and Fryer show that such factors as climate change, terrorism, and the global food system put the next pandemic just around the corner.
Publishers Weekly
[S]even ways of preventing an infectious disease from reaching its pandemic potential … What makes [The End of Epidemics] a good, highly readable primer are its convincing examples and vivid human stories
The Economist
Dr. Quick's urgent message makes one hope that this book will reach a huge audience and that its exhortations will be acted on everywhere.
The Wall Street Journal
Pragmatic, insightful and research-rich, this is a key volume for the policymaker's shelf.
Nature
For readers interested in their own well-being and public health as well as ways to advocate for issues of great concern and urgency.
Library Journal
Quick offers a humane, readable, coherent analysis for would-be health leaders and disease responders, organised simultaneously as a handy reference tool for crisis response, and an outbreak explainer that in parts, thanks to assisting science writer Bronwyn Fryer, sizzles.
The Lancet
Dr Quick has written a fascinating book. Following decades working in some of the world’s most epidemic-prone countries, he argues for scientific and public health developments that can save humanity from deadly micro-organisms.
Dr David Heymann, Professor, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
This detailed book not only breaks down the science behind killer viruses, but tells the stories of medical pioneers whose tireless work has prevented debilitating epidemics, and could even help put an end to them forever.
GQ Australia
The End of Epidemics offers hope as Quick tells the stories of the heroes, past and present, who’ve succeeded in their fights to stop the spread of illness and death. The explains the science and the politics of epidemics and shows exactly how we can prevent, and end, epidemics in the future.
The News – Westport
In The End of Epidemics, Quick and co-author Bronwyn Fryer spell out the seven biggest things we need to stop those outbreaks becoming epidemics. It is an impressive wish list.
New Scientist
April 17, 2020
I’ve had this book sitting in my TBR pile for a couple of years now. With the current Covid 19 pandemic playing out around the world it seemed like the right time to read it. Reading this book at any other time may have felt a bit dry and like hard work, mixed in with a bit of suspicion at the extent of the catastrophes he describes as potential scenarios throughout.
However reading it in the current context it’s incredible to realise just how correct scientists were in predicting this event (except his forecast was pandemic flu rather than coronavirus). Also correct is the lack of attention being paid to this information prior to the event (I’m equally guilty with not reading this book before now). The chapter on communication during a pandemic in order to provide clear, accurate health information and reduce or overcome rumours and fear is incredibly spot on with what is going on in the world today. Even the fact that the US would run out of ventilators in a pandemic is mentioned (the reason is always corporate greed - the company who had the tender to make a supply of pandemic ventilators for the US being taken over by a larger company who didn’t honour the contract), setting the entire process back by years.
The scariest thing to come out of all this reading is that this could happen again and again and again if we don’t take the lessons learnt from the current crisis and better plan for prevention and management of future pandemics.
However reading it in the current context it’s incredible to realise just how correct scientists were in predicting this event (except his forecast was pandemic flu rather than coronavirus). Also correct is the lack of attention being paid to this information prior to the event (I’m equally guilty with not reading this book before now). The chapter on communication during a pandemic in order to provide clear, accurate health information and reduce or overcome rumours and fear is incredibly spot on with what is going on in the world today. Even the fact that the US would run out of ventilators in a pandemic is mentioned (the reason is always corporate greed - the company who had the tender to make a supply of pandemic ventilators for the US being taken over by a larger company who didn’t honour the contract), setting the entire process back by years.
The scariest thing to come out of all this reading is that this could happen again and again and again if we don’t take the lessons learnt from the current crisis and better plan for prevention and management of future pandemics.
May 10, 2020
I would put this in the ‘must read’ column, especially given current events. Dr. Quick lays out very practical measures to control the spread of infectious disease from every level (social, political, economic) in a way that is grounded in research yet completely accessible for a lay-person such as myself.
Side note: He essentially predicts COVID19 as well as our lack of preparedness in this book and it’s pretty eerie to read.
Side note: He essentially predicts COVID19 as well as our lack of preparedness in this book and it’s pretty eerie to read.
March 18, 2018
Sobering and chilling, this book is enough to make anyone get the flu shot! I enjoyed learning about different infectious diseases around the world, but I felt that the author repeated himself quite a bit and thus the book could be about a 1/3 shorter.
January 22, 2022
(3.4)
Aight
Aight
Read
June 18, 2020Infectious disease outbreaks rival natural disasters and wars in their capacity to endanger human health, cripple economies and disrupt societies. The End of Epidemics shows us that by learning from the past we can build a world more resilient to infectious disease. But we must act quickly.’
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Director, Welcome Trust
A down to earth account of what we know about epidemics, packaged wisely in 7 basic recommendations for action. The End of Epidemics proposes a new marriage of stakeholders: patients, communities, industry, doctors, political leaders, NGOs and philanthropies. Must read!
Dr. Joanne Liu, International President, MSF (Doctors without Borders)
Dr. Quick makes a compelling case for the public and private sector to elevate their work on preparation, response and rehabilitation around epidemics. The End of Epidemics makes the case from a social and an economic perspective that we have a collective responsibility to take action now.
Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
The End of Epidemics presents actions, insights and a compelling tale of how individuals — whether citizens or leaders — can stand together with science and innovation to slow or stop the ever-present risk of disease outbreaks and epidemics. His message: the power of Seven, power of one and the power of many.
Dr. Heidi Larsen, Director, Vaccine Confidence Project
Rich in stories, The End of Epidemics is a powerful wake up call to get serious about epidemic threats. Quick offers down to earth solutions to prevent small and mega pandemics, a hundred years after the catastrophic 1918 Spanish flu.
Professor Peter Piot, Director, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
The End of Epidemics presents the challenge represented by global epidemiological risks and offers a convincing set of prescriptions to address them. It is a captivating book that combines the best public health evidence with compelling real-life stories.
Dr. Julio Frenk, President, University of Miami; Former Minister of Health, Mexico; and Former Dean, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Quick is an internationally recognised leader in global heath — his focus on innovation and new technologies is vital to pandemic threat prevention and preparedness to save lives around the globe.
Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation
Jonathan Quick offers a compelling and intensely readable plan to prevent worldwide infectious outbreaks. The End of Epidemics is essential reading for those who might be affected by a future pandemic — that is, just about everyone.
Sandeep Jauhar, Bestselling Author of Intern and Doctored
Dr. Jonathan Quick has written an insightful, accessible and personal history of modern epidemics, including such killers as smallpox and Ebola, and their dramatic impact on our lives and world. More importantly, Dr. Quick is not merely wringing his hands about the infectious catastrophes that are surely facing us, but focuses on the important actions needed to prevent social, economic and health consequences of inattention. Governments, international institutions, the private sector, and civil society had better take heed: prepare and plan now — or pay the price, in dollars and lives, tomorrow.
Rear Admiral Kenneth Bernard, Former Senior Official for Biodefense and Health Security Under President G.W. Bush and President Clinton
A well-documented and gripping account of the peril posed by pandemics. Dr. Quick, a global health leader from the front lines of the AIDS and Ebola, weaves rich historical facts and decades of personal experience to ring the alarm over the pandemic threat.
Dr. Ariel Pablos-Mendez, Former Head of Global Health, US Agency for International Development
Once in a while, we get a state-of-the-art synthesis of the complex problem of epidemics. Once in a very great while, such a summary is informed by deep experience battling them and by both passion and pragmatism. Only rarely — and this is the case in Quick’s The End of Epidemics
— is such an informed synthesis as readable as it is informed and as humane as it is pragmatic. The result is inspiring.
Paul Farmer, MD, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Partners in Health
Sobering reading for public health officials and infectious disease students and perhaps inspiration for would-be activists to get busy. For general readers: get your flu shot.
Kirkus Reviews
Informative ... Without excess alarmism, Quick and Fryer show that such factors as climate change, terrorism, and the global food system put the next pandemic just around the corner.
Publishers Weekly
[S]even ways of preventing an infectious disease from reaching its pandemic potential … What makes [The End of Epidemics] a good, highly readable primer are its convincing examples and vivid human stories
The Economist
Dr. Quick's urgent message makes one hope that this book will reach a huge audience and that its exhortations will be acted on everywhere.
The Wall Street Journal
Pragmatic, insightful and research-rich, this is a key volume for the policymaker's shelf.
Nature
For readers interested in their own well-being and public health as well as ways to advocate for issues of great concern and urgency.
Library Journal
Quick offers a humane, readable, coherent analysis for would-be health leaders and disease responders, organised simultaneously as a handy reference tool for crisis response, and an outbreak explainer that in parts, thanks to assisting science writer Bronwyn Fryer, sizzles.
The Lancet
Dr Quick has written a fascinating book. Following decades working in some of the world’s most epidemic-prone countries, he argues for scientific and public health developments that can save humanity from deadly micro-organisms.
Dr David Heymann, Professor, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
This detailed book not only breaks down the science behind killer viruses, but tells the stories of medical pioneers whose tireless work has prevented debilitating epidemics, and could even help put an end to them forever.
GQ Australia
The End of Epidemics offers hope as Quick tells the stories of the heroes, past and present, who’ve succeeded in their fights to stop the spread of illness and death. The explains the science and the politics of epidemics and shows exactly how we can prevent, and end, epidemics in the future.
The News – Westport
In The End of Epidemics, Quick and co-author Bronwyn Fryer spell out the seven biggest things we need to stop those outbreaks becoming epidemics. It is an impressive wish list.
New Scientist
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Director, Welcome Trust
A down to earth account of what we know about epidemics, packaged wisely in 7 basic recommendations for action. The End of Epidemics proposes a new marriage of stakeholders: patients, communities, industry, doctors, political leaders, NGOs and philanthropies. Must read!
Dr. Joanne Liu, International President, MSF (Doctors without Borders)
Dr. Quick makes a compelling case for the public and private sector to elevate their work on preparation, response and rehabilitation around epidemics. The End of Epidemics makes the case from a social and an economic perspective that we have a collective responsibility to take action now.
Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
The End of Epidemics presents actions, insights and a compelling tale of how individuals — whether citizens or leaders — can stand together with science and innovation to slow or stop the ever-present risk of disease outbreaks and epidemics. His message: the power of Seven, power of one and the power of many.
Dr. Heidi Larsen, Director, Vaccine Confidence Project
Rich in stories, The End of Epidemics is a powerful wake up call to get serious about epidemic threats. Quick offers down to earth solutions to prevent small and mega pandemics, a hundred years after the catastrophic 1918 Spanish flu.
Professor Peter Piot, Director, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
The End of Epidemics presents the challenge represented by global epidemiological risks and offers a convincing set of prescriptions to address them. It is a captivating book that combines the best public health evidence with compelling real-life stories.
Dr. Julio Frenk, President, University of Miami; Former Minister of Health, Mexico; and Former Dean, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Quick is an internationally recognised leader in global heath — his focus on innovation and new technologies is vital to pandemic threat prevention and preparedness to save lives around the globe.
Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation
Jonathan Quick offers a compelling and intensely readable plan to prevent worldwide infectious outbreaks. The End of Epidemics is essential reading for those who might be affected by a future pandemic — that is, just about everyone.
Sandeep Jauhar, Bestselling Author of Intern and Doctored
Dr. Jonathan Quick has written an insightful, accessible and personal history of modern epidemics, including such killers as smallpox and Ebola, and their dramatic impact on our lives and world. More importantly, Dr. Quick is not merely wringing his hands about the infectious catastrophes that are surely facing us, but focuses on the important actions needed to prevent social, economic and health consequences of inattention. Governments, international institutions, the private sector, and civil society had better take heed: prepare and plan now — or pay the price, in dollars and lives, tomorrow.
Rear Admiral Kenneth Bernard, Former Senior Official for Biodefense and Health Security Under President G.W. Bush and President Clinton
A well-documented and gripping account of the peril posed by pandemics. Dr. Quick, a global health leader from the front lines of the AIDS and Ebola, weaves rich historical facts and decades of personal experience to ring the alarm over the pandemic threat.
Dr. Ariel Pablos-Mendez, Former Head of Global Health, US Agency for International Development
Once in a while, we get a state-of-the-art synthesis of the complex problem of epidemics. Once in a very great while, such a summary is informed by deep experience battling them and by both passion and pragmatism. Only rarely — and this is the case in Quick’s The End of Epidemics
— is such an informed synthesis as readable as it is informed and as humane as it is pragmatic. The result is inspiring.
Paul Farmer, MD, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Partners in Health
Sobering reading for public health officials and infectious disease students and perhaps inspiration for would-be activists to get busy. For general readers: get your flu shot.
Kirkus Reviews
Informative ... Without excess alarmism, Quick and Fryer show that such factors as climate change, terrorism, and the global food system put the next pandemic just around the corner.
Publishers Weekly
[S]even ways of preventing an infectious disease from reaching its pandemic potential … What makes [The End of Epidemics] a good, highly readable primer are its convincing examples and vivid human stories
The Economist
Dr. Quick's urgent message makes one hope that this book will reach a huge audience and that its exhortations will be acted on everywhere.
The Wall Street Journal
Pragmatic, insightful and research-rich, this is a key volume for the policymaker's shelf.
Nature
For readers interested in their own well-being and public health as well as ways to advocate for issues of great concern and urgency.
Library Journal
Quick offers a humane, readable, coherent analysis for would-be health leaders and disease responders, organised simultaneously as a handy reference tool for crisis response, and an outbreak explainer that in parts, thanks to assisting science writer Bronwyn Fryer, sizzles.
The Lancet
Dr Quick has written a fascinating book. Following decades working in some of the world’s most epidemic-prone countries, he argues for scientific and public health developments that can save humanity from deadly micro-organisms.
Dr David Heymann, Professor, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
This detailed book not only breaks down the science behind killer viruses, but tells the stories of medical pioneers whose tireless work has prevented debilitating epidemics, and could even help put an end to them forever.
GQ Australia
The End of Epidemics offers hope as Quick tells the stories of the heroes, past and present, who’ve succeeded in their fights to stop the spread of illness and death. The explains the science and the politics of epidemics and shows exactly how we can prevent, and end, epidemics in the future.
The News – Westport
In The End of Epidemics, Quick and co-author Bronwyn Fryer spell out the seven biggest things we need to stop those outbreaks becoming epidemics. It is an impressive wish list.
New Scientist
February 9, 2020
An amazing book. Wrote by an author with an abundance of experience and connections at the top level, which he uses throughout the book to illustrate his points of analysis and suggestion. This book is particularly (and frighteningly) useful to understand the current (as of Feb 2020) Coronavirus outbreak which has most of China in a lockdown with escalating death tolls. The information and analysis contained in this book will be useful for both past, current and future events. A real eye-opener for me, highly recommended.
November 7, 2020
Because it’s 2020, I have been on a mission to read and educate myself with as many pandemic/epidemic books as possible. I’ve read quite a few now and I can say that The End of Epidemics is the best book on the topic so far. Why? It’s the first book I’ve had to put down because it’s so eerily realistic to the current world situation. It’s also the most detailed in explaining how we can prevent (or at the very least minimise) epidemics in the future. The End of Epidemics goes beyond explaining the epidemics of history and gives practical advice that anyone can partake in. Oh, and the scariest bit? This book was originally published in 2018, when people were travelling and going to concerts with mosh pits.
The updated edition has a preface about COVID-19 explaining which countries have done things well and not so well as of June 2020 (Aussies, Scomo gets a mention). It links back to the seven-point plan that makes up the second half of the book on how epidemics can be prevented and it’s worthwhile revisiting after you’ve read the book. The rest of the book is pre-COVID, but the examples, lessons learned and suggestions for the future are all highly relevant. Quick is an expert on the topic, having been involved in many public health campaigns involving epidemics (and where he hasn’t been there personally, he knows someone who has and has included their experience). If you have experience or learnings in public health, you will find this book much more interesting than any study or textbook because it puts what you learn into practice. It links the theory to the action and it does so in the best kind of way – you don’t even realise you are learning as you read! The book is fascinating, relevant and interesting. The authors have clearly worked hard to make this book accessible to those who don’t have extensive knowledge in the field, but is still entertaining and interesting to those who do.
I’d love to send this book to some leaders with the action plan chapters marked (even better if I could time travel back to 2018 to get the ball rolling). If you only read one book about epidemics, make it you only read one book about epidemics, make it The End of Epidemics. You won’t be disappointed, but rather informed and educated to take action.
Thank you to Scribe for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The updated edition has a preface about COVID-19 explaining which countries have done things well and not so well as of June 2020 (Aussies, Scomo gets a mention). It links back to the seven-point plan that makes up the second half of the book on how epidemics can be prevented and it’s worthwhile revisiting after you’ve read the book. The rest of the book is pre-COVID, but the examples, lessons learned and suggestions for the future are all highly relevant. Quick is an expert on the topic, having been involved in many public health campaigns involving epidemics (and where he hasn’t been there personally, he knows someone who has and has included their experience). If you have experience or learnings in public health, you will find this book much more interesting than any study or textbook because it puts what you learn into practice. It links the theory to the action and it does so in the best kind of way – you don’t even realise you are learning as you read! The book is fascinating, relevant and interesting. The authors have clearly worked hard to make this book accessible to those who don’t have extensive knowledge in the field, but is still entertaining and interesting to those who do.
I’d love to send this book to some leaders with the action plan chapters marked (even better if I could time travel back to 2018 to get the ball rolling). If you only read one book about epidemics, make it you only read one book about epidemics, make it The End of Epidemics. You won’t be disappointed, but rather informed and educated to take action.
Thank you to Scribe for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
August 22, 2020
This timely read sets out the key factors that amplify the potential of viruses and other pathogens to become epidemics and pandemics. The author uses plain English and his extensive experience to take us on a journey of the background to many of the headline hitting pathogens that we know today such as Ebola, SARS, Influenza and HIV.
The second half of the book is where the author heavily advocates for a set of actions to prevent epidemic: " (1) ensuring bold leadership at all levels; (2) building resilient health systems; (3) fortifying three lines of defense against disease (prevention, detection, and response); (4) ensuring timely and accurate communication; (5) investing in smart, new innovation; (6) spending wisely to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes; and (7) mobilizing citizen activism".
Unfortunately a key and vital component that is not captured well is "One Health" concept and the importance of the triad between human health, animal health and the environment. There is a lot of emphasis on the role public health plays but hardly any mention of the vital role veterinarians play and the importance of their collaboration with public health. Another big topic not mentioned which deserves its own chapter is antimicrobial resistance and its potential devastating impact on human, animal and environmental health cannot be underestimated.
Overall an easy, enjoyable read.
The second half of the book is where the author heavily advocates for a set of actions to prevent epidemic: " (1) ensuring bold leadership at all levels; (2) building resilient health systems; (3) fortifying three lines of defense against disease (prevention, detection, and response); (4) ensuring timely and accurate communication; (5) investing in smart, new innovation; (6) spending wisely to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes; and (7) mobilizing citizen activism".
Unfortunately a key and vital component that is not captured well is "One Health" concept and the importance of the triad between human health, animal health and the environment. There is a lot of emphasis on the role public health plays but hardly any mention of the vital role veterinarians play and the importance of their collaboration with public health. Another big topic not mentioned which deserves its own chapter is antimicrobial resistance and its potential devastating impact on human, animal and environmental health cannot be underestimated.
Overall an easy, enjoyable read.
April 16, 2018
A solid 3 star book. This book is divided into 2 parts. The first is about the different epidemics that have plagued the world since basically the 1918 flu. This section gives a very good overview and highlights many diseases that have terrorized the human race (and if this is a subject you have read other books about there is likely to be nothing new for you in this section, but it is pretty thorough and very well organized). The second part of the book highlights what every individual can really do to help end and fight epidemics as they crop up. It has suggestions for everyone, whether you are simply a concerned individual, a healthcare worker, a political figure, or other influential person. Again this is a very well organized section. Nothing earth shattering in it, but all important things to be reminded about. The book is well written and includes stories of many individuals affected by the different diseases and epidemics. This keeps it interesting and more to the point made by the author, puts a human face on these large scale problems.
It was a good read and one that I would recommend to people in government at all levels, as when a disease epidemic does hit, every level of government will be important for a swift resolution of the problem.
It was a good read and one that I would recommend to people in government at all levels, as when a disease epidemic does hit, every level of government will be important for a swift resolution of the problem.
February 18, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
I picked up this book because well, we are in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic.
In this book, the author list out 7 ways to prevent outbreak from becoming epidemic. These 7 are : ensuring bold leadership at all levels, building resilient health systems, fortifying three lines of defense against disease, ensuring timely and accurate communication, investing in smart innovation, spending wisely to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes and mobilizing citizen activism.
It has a promising start but then it went downhill and bored me to death. This book is less on science and history of epidemics (which is what I'm interested in) and more on proposals (zzzzz). The content is relevant (in fact, if world leaders actually followed the suggestions in this 2017 book, we wouldn't be in this current mess) but this book is not for me. In fact, reading this book make me feels like I'm reading formal goverment report. You know who should read this? Politicians, health authority, WHO and health workers.
I picked up the wrong book obviously.
I picked up this book because well, we are in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic.
In this book, the author list out 7 ways to prevent outbreak from becoming epidemic. These 7 are : ensuring bold leadership at all levels, building resilient health systems, fortifying three lines of defense against disease, ensuring timely and accurate communication, investing in smart innovation, spending wisely to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes and mobilizing citizen activism.
It has a promising start but then it went downhill and bored me to death. This book is less on science and history of epidemics (which is what I'm interested in) and more on proposals (zzzzz). The content is relevant (in fact, if world leaders actually followed the suggestions in this 2017 book, we wouldn't be in this current mess) but this book is not for me. In fact, reading this book make me feels like I'm reading formal goverment report. You know who should read this? Politicians, health authority, WHO and health workers.
I picked up the wrong book obviously.
November 6, 2019
This comprehensively highlights existing and emerging public health challenges and considers changes that need to be made regarding policy going forward. Its amazing how the authors put into perspective how $1 spent per person per year can make a huge difference and how this pales in comparison to military spending around the world. The author broadly considers all disciplines and brings up changes that can be made by any person in any area of life. This book is a must read for everyone to become aware of existing and emerging public health challenges so we can all work together to shape a better future. Definitely recommended to everyone.
February 15, 2020
A must read for every citizen. Epidemics not only kill hundreds, thousands and millions of people it destroys families by leaving orphans and widows, it destroys businesses that shut down and never reopen due to illness or death. The damage done to the world wide business and trade is astronomical. Epidemics hurt the world socially and financially. Encouraging the prevention of epidemics through research and development of immunization formulas and readiness to fight an outbreak is key. Governments and local leaders being honest early on alleviates rumors, panic and the spread of the disease. Many specific accounts are related in this book.
April 15, 2018
The book is excellent as a reference for facts about public health concerns; however, it is incredibly dry even for someone interested in the subject material. The information is important but the delivery falls short. The facts and number reporting does not do an excellent job of convincing the reader of the urgency and is read as a preachy fear mongering tale. I appreciated the effort but could not recommend to others in earnest.
April 12, 2020
Frighting to see what the author was warning us about has now come to fruition in 2020. While many of us are living through the horrors of COVID-19 trying to come to grasps with this tragic event, people like this author and Bill Gates have been warning us for years - unfortunately all has fallen on deaf ears at the expense of short term profit gains. As a citizen of the world, I feel betrayed and let down by the global leaders who have turned a blind eye to the warning bells.
April 25, 2020
It’s eerie and upsetting to read this in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Quick outlines how this and other pandemics are preventable. He knew what could happen and how to stop it, yet those prevention measures were not put in place and we are suffering because of it.
This is an important read for anyone interested in public health, preparedness, health security, etc. But this is a critical read for those in charge of these prevention efforts.
This is an important read for anyone interested in public health, preparedness, health security, etc. But this is a critical read for those in charge of these prevention efforts.
June 15, 2020
I have the pleasure of working with Dr. Jono Quick, and I was thrilled to read his book. The book has a ton of compelling stories and examples that bring to life the increase in the threat of pandemics and how we can prevent them from happening. In 2020, it reads quite presciently, as we think about things that went wrong with COVID-19. I recommend it for those working in public health and public policy who are interested in pandemic threat.
December 21, 2018
The next epidemic is coming- are we prepared for it? No, but we could be if we decide to follow the very tangible steps outlined in this book. Good leadership, clear information campagins, proactive measures, and community engagement are alll critical steps. The real question is whether we are willing to invest in these areas before its too late.
June 24, 2020
Very topical but I did buy it before the current pandemic!
Very easy to read, not weighed down by difficult language or description.
Easy to follow and understand.
A brilliant, informative read - and it's good to know we took the right decisions here for pandemic Covid 19 of 2020... hopefully many governments around the world will be better prepared before the next pandemic....
Very easy to read, not weighed down by difficult language or description.
Easy to follow and understand.
A brilliant, informative read - and it's good to know we took the right decisions here for pandemic Covid 19 of 2020... hopefully many governments around the world will be better prepared before the next pandemic....
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