Michael H Merson

Interim Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Clinical Professor of Global and Environmental Health

Professional overview

Michael Merson is Interim Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and a Clinical Professor of Global and Environmental Health at NYU. He also the William Joklik Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Global Health at Duke University, where he served as the founding director of the Duke Global Health Institute and as Vice President and Vice Provost for Global Affairs. His current research is focused on policy issues related to the response to pandemics, evaluating the rollout of Paxlovid in low-income countries and on ways to regain trust in public health.

Prior to NYU, he joined the faculty at Yale University as its first Dean of Public Health. Before entering academia, between 1980 and 1995, Dr. Merson served as director of the World Health Organization (WHO) programs on Diarrheal Diseases and Acute Respiratory Infections, and subsequently the WHO Global Program on AIDS. He has authored over 150 articles, is the senior editor of a leading global health textbook “Global Health: Disease, Programs, Systems, and Policies” and lead author of The AIDS Pandemic: Searching for a Global Response on the history of the global response to AIDS. He has served in advisory capacities for UNAIDS, WHO, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, World Bank, World Economic Forum, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and was an advisor to various private sector entities on the COVID-19 pandemic. He has two honorary degrees and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

Education

B.A., 1966, cum laude, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts

M.D., 1970, summa cum laude, SUNY, Health Sciences Center at Brooklyn, New York

Honors and awards

Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Distinguished Leadership Award (2018)

Duke Medical Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award (2017)

Master Teacher Award in Preventive Medicine, Downstate Medical Center (2010)

Outstanding Contribution to the Campaign Against HIV/AIDS, Russian Association Against AIDS (2000)

Connecticut Health Commissioner’s AIDS Leadership Award (1998)

Connecticut Health Commissioner’s AIDS Leadership Award (1997)

Frank Babbott Alumni Award (1995)

Surgeon General's Exemplary Service Medal (1993)

Commendation Medal, US Public Health Service; (1986)

Arthur S. Flemming Award for Outstanding Federal Service (1983)

Commendation Medal, US Public Health Service (1975)

Publications

Publications

Early detection : The next steps

Merson, M. H., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Volume

25

Issue

SUPPL. 2

Page(s)

S157-S159

10.1097/00126334-200012152-00011

Abstract

Abstract

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Effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions in developing countries

Merson, M. H., Merson, M. H., Dayton, J. M., & O'Reilly, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

AIDS, Supplement

Volume

14

Issue

2

Page(s)

S68-S84

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To review the effectiveness of projects and programs in developing countries that aim to reduce sexual transmission of HIV infection or transmission related to injection drug use. Design: We identified 34 published studies undertaken in 18 developing countries that met rigorous inclusion criteria. These criteria included the length of follow-up, use of statistical analysis, the inclusion of a comparison group, and type of outcomes measured. Results: We found that behavioral change interventions are effective when targeted to populations at high risk, particularly female sex workers and their clients. Few studies have evaluated harm reduction interventions in injecting drug users (IDUs). Evidence on the effectiveness of voluntary counseling and testing programs was promising, and VCT was most effective when directed at discordant couples. Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) appears highly effective in reducing HIV/STD transmission, particularly in the earlier stages of the epidemic. Conclusions: This review demonstrates that HIV prevention interventions can be effective in changing risk behaviors and preventing transmission in low and middle-income countries. When the appropriate mix of interventions is applied, they can lead to significant reductions in the prevalence of HIV at the national level. Additional research is needed to identify effective interventions, particularly in men who have sex with men, youth, IDUs and HIV-infected persons. Structural and environmental interventions show great promise, although more evaluation is needed. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Enriching the mix : Incorporating structural factors into HIV prevention

Merson, M. H., Sumartojo, E., Doll, L., Holtgrave, D., Gayle, H., & Merson, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

AIDS

Volume

14

Issue

11 SUPPL.

Page(s)

S1-S2

10.1097/00002030-200006001-00001

Abstract

Abstract

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Global dimensions of the AIDS epidemic : Implications for prevention and care

Merson, M. H., Dayton, J. M., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America

Volume

14

Issue

4

Page(s)

791-808

10.1016/S0891-5520(05)70134-3

Abstract

Abstract

~

Structural interventions in public health

Merson, M. H., Blankenship, K. M., Bray, S. J., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

AIDS

Volume

14

Issue

11 SUPPL.

Page(s)

S11-S21

10.1097/00002030-200006001-00003

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To review structural interventions in public health, identify distinct approaches to structural interventions, and assess their implications for HIV-prevention interventions. Method: The MEDLINE, HealthStar, PsychInfo and Sociofile databases were searched on specific health issues, types of public health interventions, and conceptual topics (e.g. empowerment, social structure, and inequality) to compile a list of public health interventions in the United States. We excluded interventions focused on testing and surveillance unless they specifically facilitated prevention, and educational or media campaigns focused on increasing individuals' level of knowledge about a particular health problem. Results: The term 'structural' is used to refer to interventions that work by altering the context within which health is produced or reproduced. Structural interventions locate the source of public-health problems in factors in the social, economic and political environments that shape and constrain individual, community, and societal health outcomes. We identified two dimensions along which structural interventions can vary. They may locate the source of health problems in factors relating to availability, acceptability, or accessibility; and they may be targeted at the individual, organizational, or environmental levels. All together, this framework suggests nine kinds of structural interventions, and it is possible to identify examples of each kind of intervention across a range of public health issues. Conclusions: The relevance of this framework for developing HIV prevention interventions is considered. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

The AIDS epidemic : lessons learned?

Merson, M. H., Merson, M., & Rosenfield, A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Lancet

Volume

356

Issue

9236

Page(s)

1204

10.1016/S0140-6736(05)72908-1

Abstract

Abstract

~

Ethics of placebo-controlled trials of zidovudine to prevent the perinatal transmission of HIV in the Third World [1]

Merson, M. H., Merson, M. H., Simmons, R. J., Rogers, M. F., Dondero, T. J., Francis, D. P., Meidde, E. K., Blanche, S., Kim, R. J., Sharif, S. K., Tafesse, E., Murphy, T. F., Ijsselmuiden, C. B., Herrington, D., Piott, P., Glantz, L. H., Grodin, M. A., Lallemant, M., McIntosh, K., … Lurie, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1998

Journal title

New England Journal of Medicine

Volume

338

Issue

12

Page(s)

836-841

10.1056/NEJM199803193381213

Abstract

Abstract

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Enhancing Awareness of Hospice Through Physician Assisted Living : Public Health Perspectives

Merson, M. H., & Bradley, E. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1997

Journal title

Connecticut medicine

Volume

61

Issue

12

Page(s)

789-791

Abstract

Abstract

The provision, management, and financing of care for patients with irreversible diseases has become increasingly complex in this era of advanced medical technology. With enhanced capabilities of medicine to prolong life, clinical practice has taken on legal and ethical dimensions that reach beyond the traditional scope of medicine. This paper demonstrates that hospice represents a major area of public health practice and research. It argues for enhanced involvement of public health practitioners and academics in the design and evaluation of efforts to encourage appropriate use of hospice for patients with irreversible diseases. The physician assisted living intervention in Connecticut represents one such effort. However, ongoing educational efforts targeted at both the public and health care providers are needed to ensure that all those with irreversible diseases fully understand and have access to hospice care at the end of life.

Rapid self testing for HIV infection

Merson, M. H., Feldman, E. A., Bayer, R., & Stryker, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1997

Journal title

Lancet

Volume

349

Issue

9048

Page(s)

352-353

10.1016/S0140-6736(96)08260-8

Abstract

Abstract

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Returning home : Reflections on the USA's response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic

Merson, M. H., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Lancet

Volume

347

Issue

9016

Page(s)

1673-1676

10.1016/S0140-6736(96)91494-4

Abstract

Abstract

~

Global estimates and epidemiology of HIV-1 infections and AIDS : further heterogeneity in spread and impact.

Merson, M. H., Mertens, T. E., Belsey, E., Stoneburner, R. L., Beer, D. L., Sato, P., Burton, A., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Journal title

AIDS (London, England)

Volume

9 Suppl A

Page(s)

S259-272

Abstract

Abstract

~

AIDS : NEW DISEASES AND MORBIDITY PATTERNS

Merson, M. H., & MERSON, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Medical education

Volume

28

Page(s)

61-62

10.1111/j.1365-2923.1994.tb02761.x

Abstract

Abstract

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Explaining long-term HIV survivors.

Merson, M. H., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

International Nursing Review

Volume

41

Issue

6

Page(s)

169-170

Abstract

Abstract

~

Making AIDS prevention a national priority.

Merson, M. H., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Integration (Tokyo, Japan)

Issue

42

Page(s)

2-5

Abstract

Abstract

During the period from August 1993 through August 1994, it was estimated that another 3 million persons had been infected with HIV, with the global total exceeding 17 million then. In Asia infections increased from 12% to 16% with a corresponding decrease in North America and Europe. Over 60% of all infections had occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa. In south and southeast Asia, HIV infections were estimated at over 2.5 million in mid-1994. Estimated infections in Thailand had risen 10-fold since early 1990, with rates of 4% among young men and 1.5% among pregnant women. Yet in Thailand reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) fell by 77% between 1986 and 1993, which was attributed to media promotion of condom use. In east Asia and the Pacific, the estimated number of infections had reached 50,000 in mid-1994, a doubling in one year. There had been a steep rise in the rate of reported STDs in China. The countries of eastern Europe and central Asia in mid-1994 had over 50,000 infections, but many of the factors associated with rapid HIV spread were present: economic crisis, rising unemployment, armed conflicts, and major population movements. To date (mid-1994), there have been an estimated 100,000 infections in north Africa and the Middle East. As of mid-1994, 190 countries worldwide had reported close to 1 million AIDS cases to the World Health Organization. But an estimated 4 million adults and children had developed AIDS since the start of the pandemic. By 2000, the cumulative case total is projected to reach nearly 10 million. A retrospective analysis of the epidemic in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia showed that by the 12th year of the epidemic, youth under 25 accounted for up to 3/4 of all new infections. Implementing basic prevention programs in Asia would cost between 0.75 and 1.5 billion US dollars a year to avert an estimated 5 million infections by the year 2000 alone.

Childhood Immunizations

Kim-Farley, R. J., Merson, M. H., Tulloch, J. L., Deisenhammer, F., Pohl, P., Grubwieser, G., Sepkowitz, S., & Peter, G. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

New England Journal of Medicine

Volume

328

Issue

19

Page(s)

1420-1422

10.1056/NEJM199305133281911

Abstract

Abstract

To the Editor: Dr. Peter's review of childhood immunizations in the United States (Dec. 17 issue)1 mentions policies that differ from those of the World Health Organization (WHO), especially with respect to immunization against cholera and poliomyelitis. We wish to clarify these differences. The WHO does not recommend cholera vaccine for travelers, and no country requires it for entry2. The only available cholera vaccine is of low efficacy and provides at best only short-term immunity. Immunization against cholera may impart a false sense of security, making travelers less likely to use more effective protective measures3. The safety of…

Slowing the spread of HIV : Agenda for the 1990s

Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Science

Volume

260

Issue

5112

Page(s)

1266-1268

10.1126/science.8493570

Abstract

Abstract

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Aids : The world situation

Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Journal of Public Health Policy

Volume

13

Issue

1

Page(s)

8-26

10.2307/3343055

Abstract

Abstract

THIS article appeared in WHO Features, No. 163, November 1991, in the form of an interview with Dr. Merson in connection with World AIDS Day, December 1, 1991. We are publishing it as a special article in order to bring to our readers this authoritative summary of the current situation, to emphasize the overwhelming significance of the AIDS pandemic, and to demonstrate the urgent need to fully mobilize world resources in order to combat and conquer this terrible threat to humanity. Dr. Merson, it’s ten years since AIDS was first recognized. What do you see as the most important achievements and the failures in the fight against it? One of the most important achievements is to have learned as much as we have about AIDS. The disease was first recognized in homosexual men in the United States of America in 1981; by 1983 the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, had been isolated; in 1985 an antibody test was available. Since then we have learned that HIV is spread mainly through sexual intercourse; like some other sexually transmitted infections, it can also be transmitted through blood and from an infected woman to her unborn or newborn baby. This knowledge showed us that transmission could be interrupted. We have also learned much about how the virus infects cells and how the body mounts an immune response to this infection, and this has led to the development of over 150 experi-mental drugs and vaccines. That is enormous progress in only ten years.

Foreword

Merson, M. H., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

AIDS

Volume

5

Issue

SUPPL. 1

Page(s)

I+II+

Abstract

Abstract

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AIDS : a special threat to women

Merson, M. H., Petros-Barvazian, A., & Merson, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

World Health

Issue

Nov-Dec

Abstract

Abstract

Deals with aspects of AIDS worldwide, with special reference to women: the challenge of the nineties; AIDS and haemophiliacs; mother and child; the Paris Declaration; psychological and social consequences; a Uganda casebook; a caring society; the research agenda for the 1990s; and World Aids Day 1990. -D.J.Davis

Global AIDS prevention and control.

Merson, M. H., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

Hygie

Volume

9

Issue

4

Page(s)

5-7

Abstract

Abstract

~

Global progress in the control of diarrheal diseases

Claeson, M., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal

Volume

9

Issue

5

Page(s)

345-355

10.1097/00006454-199005000-00008

Abstract

Abstract

~

Control of diarrhoeal diseases

Merson, M. H., Martinez, C. A., Barua, D., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

World Health Statistics Quarterly

Volume

41

Issue

2

Page(s)

74-81

Abstract

Abstract

This article traces the history of the worldwide struggle to control diarrheal diseases. When the 7th pandemic of cholera began in 1961, WHO responded with a greatly expanded program of activities which included cooperation with countries in training and control efforts, and research on treatment and prevention. In 1970, when the cholera pandemic spread to Africa, the emergency assistance program was reactivated, with increasing attention to the provision of appropriate treatment, especially oral rehydration therapy. Another public health problem of importance during the 1970s was the increase in antibiotic resistance of enteric bacteria. The demonstration of the effectiveness of a single formulation of oral rehydration salts (ORS) in the treatment of all diarrheas was instrumental in convincing public health administrators that diarrheal diseases control should become an essential component of primary health care and led to the creation of a global Diarrheal Diseases Control program. The Program, which has the objective of reducing childhood mortality and morbidity due to diarrheal diseases and their associated ill effects, especially malnutrition, consists of 2 main components: a health services and control component and research component. If the targets set by the Program for 1989 can be attained, it is expected that by then at least 1.5 million childhood deaths due to diarrhea will be prevented annually.

Enfrentar a diarreia à escala mundial.

Merson, M. H., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Servir (Lisbon, Portugal)

Volume

34

Issue

4

Page(s)

198-199

Abstract

Abstract

~

Oral rehydration therapy - from theory to practice ( diarrhoeal disease).

Merson, M. H., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

WHO Chronicle

Volume

40

Issue

3

Page(s)

116-118

Abstract

Abstract

Oral rehydration therapy is a cheap and simple way of reducing the death rate of childhood diarrhoea. By 1985, more than 95% of the developing world's population lived in countries which had national diarrhoeal diseases control programmes. The second International Conference on Oral Rehydration Therapy in 1985 made recommendations to increase the effectiveness of such programmes. These covered the education of mothers, the production and distribution of rehydration salts, personnel training, supervision, and programme monitoring and evaluation.-R.Haynes

Oral'naia regidratatsiia pri ostrykh kishechnykh zabolevaniiakh.

Merson, M. H., Merson, M. K., Lishnevskii, M. S., & Oblapenko, G. P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Sovetskaia meditsina

Issue

3

Page(s)

60-63

Abstract

Abstract

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