PROMEDmail

ProMEDmail is an international public health information service that provides timely and reliable information on infectious disease outbreaks and other public health threats. It was established in 1994 by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) and is operated by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The service is designed to facilitate the rapid dissemination of information to health professionals, policymakers, and the public, enabling them to take appropriate actions to prevent the spread of diseases.

ProMEDmail operates through a network of volunteers and experts who monitor various sources of information, including news reports, scientific literature, and official health bulletins. When an outbreak or public health threat is identified, ProMEDmail issues alerts that summarize the key information and provide context. These alerts are distributed to a global network of subscribers, including health professionals, government agencies, and international organizations.

The alerts issued by ProMEDmail are not intended to be definitive diagnoses or recommendations for action. Instead, they serve as a tool for raising awareness and encouraging further investigation and response. The service is valued for its speed and flexibility, as it can quickly adapt to emerging threats and provide information in languages other than English.

ProMEDmail has been recognized for its role in improving global health security and its contributions to the international response to outbreaks such as Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19. The service continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies and methodologies to enhance its effectiveness and reach.