It Will Impede Solutions to Global Health Issues
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. (March 9, 2017)—The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the largest international scientific organization of experts dedicated to reducing the worldwide burden of tropical infectious diseases and improving global health, remains concerned that President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States (March 6, 2017) continues to have negative consequences for the health and welfare of the American people.
This Order will continue to impede solutions to global issues that require scientists, students and health professions to further their knowledge, conduct research and participate in scientific conferences in the search for solutions to tropical infectious diseases. Academic exchange in tropical medicine and global health is by its very nature based on bilateral exchange; travel is critical to progress. Furthermore, any restrictions on movement of refugees should follow key principles of international human rights law and be done in consultation with national and international medical experts in refugee health.
The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene will continue to support evidence-based policies and programs that protect the health of people inside and outside the United States. This will require national and international collaboration.