The first line of defence

Recent news items have highlighted the importance of maintaining public health infrastructure, the skills and expertise of public health scientists, the bricks and mortar,specialized laboratories, pipes and drains that keep clean drinking water and waste water laden with pathogens apart, ensure that food is safe to eat, workplaces and homes free of lethal hazards. In the last week we've had a boil-water-advisory in Gatineau, across the river from Ottawa; and in B.C. serious questions have arisen about the integrity of meat inspection. When I was a teacher of public health, my mantra was that the well being and safety of the people depends more on the integrity of public health services than on police and armed forces. Since potential terrorist attacks on the USA began getting such prominence after 9/11, western nations have thrown vast amounts of money at 'homeland security' -- but in this orgy of spending there have been some drastic cuts in routine public health services and the staff who run them. On Jan 19 evening, David ran a panel discussion here in Ottawa about involving academia and other sectors of society in national security. He wanted me in the audience to react when relevant questions came up. I felt a traitor when I reluctantly declined, but I've still got after-effects of so-called minor bladder surgery 10 days ago and didn't feel up to it. I'd have been a disruptive influence in the audience, running to the nearest urinal every half hour or so. He didn't get back here to sleep until nearly midnight and left to go back to Kingston about 5 am, so there was no chance to ask him whether the matter got much attention. I'll take it up with him next time we talk. Whatever was said last Wednesday, I believe public health services are as important in maintaining national safety and security as police and armed services; maybe more so.