Event Report: Aoki Project Shutdown Symposium at KGRI, "The Future of International Infectious Disease Control: Using COVID-19 as an Example" (Held on March 4, 2020)
Event Date
Event Venue
March 27, 2020
In light of the recent novel coronavirus disease outbreak, and prior to opening the venue, the safety of the location was ensured through thorough decontamination. This involved spraying slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water for two hours and using a dry mist of the same solution. Additionally, participants were asked to wear simple hypochlorous acid diffusers, and the mini-symposium was held while maintaining sufficient distance between seats.
1. 2:00 PM–2:30 PM
(1) Activities of this project to date, the circumstances of its termination at KGRI, an apology to the late Professor Takeuchi, and plans after the transfer to the Law School
Setsuko Aoki, Keio University
(2) Activities of the former Takeuchi Project and the Aoki Project
History of "International Infectious Disease Control"
In addition to the international infectious disease control measures that began with the Hashimoto Initiative, cybersecurity and economic security were added, leading to the launch of GSEC. Within this framework, the project contributed to infectious disease control by helping to suppress Ebola and promote the use of ivermectin and Olyset Net.
This project continued that work, examining and proposing measures against counterfeit medicines and strategies for international cooperation to overcome antimicrobial resistance.
Yoshiyuki Miyata, Keio University
2. 2:30 PM–5:50 PM Panel Discussion
Theme: The Future of Infectious Disease Control as Considered from the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Outbreak
Panelists
Setsuko Aoki, Keio University
Kimiyuki Yokote, Bioshoot Co., Ltd.
Masataka Morimoto, Keio University
Yoshiyuki Miyata, Keio University
Key Speech: "Emerging Diseases and Safety/Security" by Kimiyuki Yokote
He explained with examples that while ensuring safety is often discussed when an unexpected infectious disease outbreak occurs, how to ensure a sense of security is a major key to social stability.
In this context, he also pointed out that the threat of the novel coronavirus has become a major problem because information has not been communicated appropriately.
Key Speech by Masataka Morimoto
He pointed out that in cases like an infectious disease outbreak, it is necessary to read news reports accurately and grasp the actual situation correctly. From a security perspective, whether this understanding is properly achieved affects the threat of the infectious disease and becomes a key to maintaining social stability.
The following points were discussed in the
A question was raised from the floor: "Why is the current novel coronavirus causing such a commotion when its risk is not much different from H1N1?"
→The speakers commented that this was likely because the novel coronavirus was not properly assessed, and only fear spread through social media and other channels.
→The speakers shared a common view, responding that while the infection itself is expected to end before summer, the challenge is how to bring it to an end.
A question was raised by someone involved with the Olympics: "Could holding the Olympics help bring the outbreak to a quicker end?"
→Miyata commented that, in his personal opinion, given the glaring history of the Zika virus spreading from 17 to 47 countries due to the Brazil World Cup, Japan would be held responsible for the spread of the coronavirus if the Olympics were held here. He believes it is practically impossible.
He also commented that since production in China, the world's factory, has halted, there is a potential for various shortages to be triggered, and it is crucial to establish a sense of security to bring the situation to a close.
International Infectious Disease Control Materials.pdf
Inquiries regarding this symposium
Keio University Global Research Institute (KGRI)
Research Project
Contact Person: Yoshiyuki Miyata
E-mail: yomiyat[at]keio.jp
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