Emerging infectious diseases and new pandemics: dancing with a ghost! Lessons in inter- and transdisciplinary research in French Guiana, South America

Abstract

In light of current international public health challenges, calls for inter- and transdisciplinary research are increasing, particularly in response to complex and intersecting issues. Although widely used under the One Health flag, it is still unclear how inter- and transdisciplinary science should be applied to infectious disease research, public health, and the different stakeholders. Here, we present and discuss our common scientific and biomedical experience in French Guiana, South America to conduct and enrich research in vector-borne and zoonotic infectious diseases, with the aim to translate findings to public health and political stakeholders. We highlight the successful progressive dissolution of disciplinary boundaries that go beyond One Health positive-driven assumptions and argue that specific local conditions, as well as strong support from research and medical institutions, have facilitated an emulsion toward inter- and transdisciplinary science. This argument is intended to improve responses to public health concerns in French Guiana and other countries and regions of the world.

Keywords

• Biomedical research
• Public health
• Interdisciplinarity
• Transdisciplinarity
• One Health
• Infectious disease