The number of viral outbreaks and pandemics has increased over the last half-century, including AIDS,
Ebola, Chikungunya, Zika and those due to coronaviruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the
challenges of alert and management as well as the interplay between biology, human sciences and
politics in the management. The MOOC explains how most viral outbreaks stem from zoonoses. The
spillover of viruses from wildlife to humans and the occurrence of pandemics are accelerated by viral
genome mutations, climate changes, disasters and the modern way of life. A worldwide governance
of such issues in a global health approach is mandatory to accelerate the response to pandemics.
AT THE END OF THIS COURSE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO :
• Describe the recent viral human pandemics originating from viruses harbored in animal reservoirs.
• Identify factors that facilitate the spillover of these viruses from animals to humans.
• Understand the molecular mechanisms that drive emergence and virulence of viruses.
• Discern factors related to environment, climatic changes and socio-cultural evolution that will continue to increase the risk of viral human pandemics.
• Anticipate preparedness for new pandemics.
Info: https://www.fun-mooc.fr/en/cours/viral-outbreaks-and-pandemics-a-one-health-approach/
