We lack crucial information about the novel coronavirus, and will be able to reduce infections and save lives if we rapidly collect, analyze and use data, Dr. Tom Frieden writes for CNNOpinion. He looks at how data helped with the Ebola response.
Dr. Tom Frieden is the former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and former commissioner of the New York City Health Department. He is currently president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a global non-profit initiative funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and part of the global non-profit Vital Strategies.
The novel coronavirus is an unprecedented threat. We don't know how bad it will be or for how long it will spread, but we do know that it has already infected more than 118,000 people around the world -- and probably many times that number, killed more than 4,000 people and caused serious global economic damage. We need to adapt our responses to different countries and different parts of the same country in order to limit damage. Using data well is essential to an effective response.
A business that markets a product that no one buys stops making it. If lots of people buy, you make more. Government doesn't have sales figures to go by; public decisions have to be based on other data.We lack crucial information about the new virus. Here are three areas where we need more data:A state-by-state breakdown of US coronavirus casesWe learn more every day. We will be able to reduce infections, save lives, and limit damage to society if we rapidly collect, analyze and use data.
Every country facing the coronavirus pandemic needs to strengthen systems to track diseases, confirm diagnoses through a strong laboratory network, investigate expertly and respond rapidly and effectively. Fast action that supports communities and works with cultural norms in the US and globally will save lives and save money.
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