PROGRAMS

Asia-Pacific Center for Biosecurity, Disaster and Conflict Research
Dr. Frederick Burkle, Director
Dr. Seiji Yamada, Deputy Director

Introduction

The mission of the Asia-Pacific Center for Biosecurity, Disaster and Conflict Research is to advance scholarship, training, and community service in the areas of biosecurity, disasters and conflict. The Center draws upon the resources of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, the John A. Burns School of Medicine, the University of Hawaiei, and public and private agencies throughout the state and the region for its programs in the following areas:

Biosecurity . In the present day, we must be prepared for the accidental or intentional release of biological, chemical, or radioactive substances ? as well as emerging infectious diseases such as SARS or pandemic influenza. High volumes of air and sea traffic through Hawaiei makes it particularly vulnerable to threats to its biosecurity. The response to such threats must be qualitatively different from that to natural disasters, based upon epidemiological principles, and specific to the agent concerned.

Disaster . Natural phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons cause loss of life and property as well as disruptions of social and economic processes. Increasingly, processes such as urbanization, degradation of the natural environment, and global warming are placing human populations in locations where they are vulnerable to disasters.

Conflict . Complex emergencies resulting from political conflict and characterized by violence - such as internal wars, genocide, and the displacement of populations - are the most common human-induced disasters of our times. The complexity refers to the multifaceted responses of the international community and the lack of protections normally afforded by treaties, covenants, and the United Nations Charter during conventional wars.

In order to further understanding and preparedness with regards to these issues, the Asia-Pacific Center for Biosecurity, Disaster and Conflict Research

• conducts education and training:
  CENTER GRANTS & CONTRACTS
• performs service to the community
  CENTER-SPONSORED COMMUNITY SERVICES AGREEMENTS
• participates in regional, national, and international forums
  INVITED CONFERENCES & PUBLICATIONS
• convenes courses, seminars, and conferences
  CENTER-SPONSORED COURSES & SEMINARS

Contact Information

Director: Frederick M. Burkle, Jr., MD, MPH
University of Hawaiei, John A. Burns School of Medicine,
651 Ilalo St. BSB 320-E, Honolulu , HI 96813-5534
Email: burkle@hawaii.edu
Phone: (808) 692-1604

Deputy Director: Seiji Yamada, MD, MPH
University of Hawaiei, John A. Burns School of Medicine,
651 Ilalo St. MEB 401G, Honolulu, HI 96813-5534
Email: seiji@hawaii.edu
Phone: (808) 692-1069