The Convergence of Infectious Diseases and Noncommunicable Diseases

On June 11 and June 12, 2019, the National Academies convened a workshop to explore the growing understanding of how the interplay between humans and microbes affects host physiology and causes noncommunicable diseases. Discussions included an overview of colliding epidemics, emerging research on associations between infectious and noncommunicable diseases, risks posed by chronic diseases to the development and severity of infectious diseases, and the influence of the microbiome. Workshop participants also examined the challenges and opportunities of convergence, the integration of health care delivery models and interventions, potential approaches for research, policy, and practice in the immediate-term, and potential directions for the long-term. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• 1 Introduction
• 2 An Overview of Colliding Epidemics and Syndemics
• 3 Emerging Research on Associations Between Infectious and Noncommunicable Diseases
• 4 Risks Posed by Chronic Diseases to the Development and Severity of Infectious Diseases
• 5 Microbial Dimension to Human Development and Well-Being
• 6 Confronting "The Blind People and the Elephant" Metaphor to Bridge the Silos
• 7 Integrating Health Care Delivery Models and Interventions
• 8 Potential Approaches for Research, Policy, and Practice in the Immediate Term
• 9 Visionary Statements on Potential Priorities to Address the Convergence
• References
• Appendix A: Statement of Task
• Appendix B: Workshop Agenda
• Appendix C: Speaker Biographies
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