Ideas worth spreading

The secret weapon against pandemics

1,903,827 views | Georges C. Benjamin • TED2020

The coronavirus pandemic won't be the last crisis to test public health systems worldwide, says physician and health policy leader Georges C. Benjamin. He details what's needed to lead us out of the pandemic and prevent future ones -- including a robust governmental health entity equipped with updated technology and well-trained staff -- and explains how citizens, businesses and political leaders can do their part to put public health first. (This virtual conversation, hosted by science curator David Biello and head of TED Chris Anderson, was recorded on May 20, 2020.)

The coronavirus pandemic won't be the last crisis to test public health systems worldwide, says physician and health policy leader Georges C. Benjamin. He details what's needed to lead us out of the pandemic and prevent future ones -- including a robust governmental health entity equipped with updated technology and well-trained staff -- and explains how citizens, businesses and political leaders can do their part to put public health first. (This virtual conversation, hosted by science curator David Biello and head of TED Chris Anderson, was recorded on May 20, 2020.)

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join Generation Public Health, a national movement working to improve health for all Americans.

Participate in the Speak for Health Campaign, a national advocacy campaign that amplifies the voices of public health professionals.

About the speakers

Georges C. Benjamin

Executive Director, American Public Health Association

See speaker profile

One of the United States' most influential physician leaders, Georges C. Benjamin speaks passionately about the health issues that have the most impact on our nation today.

TED science curator, author

See speaker profile

David Biello is TED's science curator and the author of "The Unnatural World: The Race to Remake Civilization in Earth's Newest Age."

See speaker profile

After a long career in journalism and publishing, Chris Anderson became the curator of the TED Conference in 2002 and has developed it as a platform for identifying and disseminating ideas worth spreading.

John M. Barry | Penguin Books, 2004 | Book

The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History

The true story of the 1918 Influenza that ravished the earth and caused as many as 20 million deaths worldwide. After reading this book, President George W. Bush directed the Federal Government to begin preparations for the return of another great pandemic. It gives thrilling details about a global pandemic that is relevant to understanding today's COVID-19 pandemic.

Laurie Garrett | Hachette Books, 2001 | Book

Betrayal of Trust: The Collapse of Global Public Health

Laurie Garrett is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and writes on the global disinvestment in public health and the devastating consequences of such actions. Its lessons are relevant to the continued disinvestment in public health not only in the United States but globally.

American Public Health Association | Watch

"What is Public Health?"

Johns Hopkins University | coursera, 2020 | Explore

COVID-19 Contact Tracing

A free, online course on contact tracing from Johns Hopkins University.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join Generation Public Health, a national movement working to improve health for all Americans.

Participate in the Speak for Health Campaign, a national advocacy campaign that amplifies the voices of public health professionals.