Mid Continent Nail, the largest nail manufacturer in the heartland of the United States, has laid off 150 of its 500 employees since June 2018. In August 2018, Harley-Davidson, “a true American icon, one of the greats”—according to President Donald Trump—announced that it would have to shift some production from the United States to other countries, such as Brazil, India, and Thailand. In November 2018, General Motors (“GM”), another highly recognized U.S. company, announced that it would halt production at five North American plants and lay off fifteen percent of its salaried and contract workforce, which totaled nearly 15,000 people.

The threat of pandemic infectious disease is not a new phenomenon in the world. However, since the end of the Cold War and the beginning of the 21st century, outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases (“EIDs”) threaten the health and safety of citizens all over the world. Globalization has added significant challenges to global health security, including the global movement of people and goods that may carry infectious agents and the increased use of electronic communications which can contribute to unnecessary panic, further complicating outbreak management

“Water, water every where, nor any drop to drink.” Coleridge’s famous words reflected the situation of sailors on a ship, but the words hold true for the situation of many on land today. 2.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water at home, and by 2025, half of the world will live in a water-stressed area. While the mind may more readily think of deserts, sixty-two million people lack access to adequate sanitation and drinking water sources in Europe. Europe’s largest minority— Roma—are disproportionately impacted regarding access to water.