An ancient scourge triggers a modern emergency

The Eastern Mediterranean – crossroads of the world. Sitting for millennia on ancient, vital trade and travel routes, leaders here have faced a twofold challenge in protecting their people from the ravages of infectious diseases: first, the control of pathogens native to these lands and, secondly, the elimination of those pathogens which gain entry with travellers, traders and pilgrims. The most dangerous of this latter group are those organisms that enter the region silently, then spread widely before suddenly emerging with terrible consequences for the most vulnerable populations.