Thanks to Maryn McKenna for alerting me to this CNN.com report: Brexit: 50 things the UK needs to do after Article 50. Here are the ones of most concern for public (and global) health, and a comment:
39. Dealing with pandemics
The EU has an early warning and response system for potential public health threats, such as the SARS epidemic in 2003. Countries can easily share information, pool resources for lab investigations and work together to develop new strategies for future threats. After Brexit, the UK won't be part of this system and will have to develop other ways of coordinating with EU countries.
40. EU health program
Through the EU health program, launched in 2014, EU countries work closely together to combat unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and drug and alcohol abuse, by sharing information and good practices. Projects with these goals can receive up to 80% of their funding from the EU. The UK may still be eligible to be part of the program after Brexit but membership is not guaranteed.
41. Disease prevention and control
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control works to identify and combat threats to human health from infectious diseases such as influenza, waterborne diseases and HIV. It makes it easier for organizations across the EU to share information and expertise. According to a report by the Royal College of Physicians, programs managed by the ECDC "could not be effectively fulfilled by national governments independently." After Brexit, the UK would be excluded from the ECDC and would need to negotiate a special arrangement to remain a member.
As a longtime friend of the ECDC family, which includes some remarkable British experts, I consider these consequences really alarming. Health professions in the UK, Europe, and around the world may have to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern...because that's just what it will be.
