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

Improving home-based care in Southern Africa : An analysis of project evaluations

Rosenberg, A., Mabude, Z., Hartwig, K., Rooholamini, S., Oracca-Tetteh, D., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2005

Journal title

Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine

Issue

19

Page(s)

30-36

10.4102/sajhivmed.v6i2.585

Abstract

Abstract

We describe lessons learned from independent evaluations of nine home-based care (HBC) projects in Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland. Projects were funded through Bristol-Myers Squibb's Secure the Future (STF) initiative and evaluated through the STF Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (MEU) at Yale University. The objectives of this study were to: ■ Assess the management capacity of the HBC organisations reviewed, concentrating on monitoring and supervision mechanisms. ■ identify innovations in responding to the challenges of delivering care in resource-poor settings, and ■ explore the nature of linkages between HBC projects and governments. Specific strategies to assure quality are discussed, as are policy changes necessary to provide system-wide improvements in quality and the integration of HBC. These are particularly important as governments seek ways to use existing resources to make antiretroviral (ARV) roll-outs successful.

INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF ROTAVIRUS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI DIARRHOEA IN RURAL BANGLADESH. Implications for Vaccine Development

Black, R. E., Huq, I., Merson, M. H., Alim, A. R., & Yunus, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1981

Journal title

The Lancet

Volume

317

Issue

8212

Page(s)

141-143

10.1016/S0140-6736(81)90719-4

Abstract

Abstract

In a 1 year study of diarrhoea in a village in rural Bangladesh, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) were the most frequently detected enteropathogens; shigellae were the second most commonly detected enteropathogens and rotaviruses the third. ETEC and rotavirus were found in 31% of diarrhoea episodes experienced by children aged less than 2 years and in 70% of episodes associated with dehydration. Furthermore these two pathogens were identified in the stools of 77% of young children with life-threatening dehydration seen at a diarrhoea treatment centre. The association of ETEC and rotavirus with such a substantial proportion of cases of dehydrating diarrhoea suggests that immunoprophylaxis to reduce the high incidence of deaths from diarrhoea in developing countries may be feasible and that vaccine development should concentrate on these two enteropathogens.

Increase in antibiotic resistance among isolates of salmonella in the united states, 1967-1975

Merson, M. H., Ryder, R. W., Blake, P. A., Murlin, A. C., Carter, G. P., Pollard, R. A., Merson, M. H., Allen, S. D., & Brenner, D. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1980

Journal title

Journal of Infectious Diseases

Volume

142

Issue

4

Page(s)

485-491

10.1093/infdis/142.4.485

Abstract

Abstract

To study temporal changes in the antibiotic resistance of Salmonella in the United States, a study design similar to that of a 1967 study was used to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of 754 human nontyphoid Salmonella isolates sent to the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1975. The frequency of resistance to one or more of the same nine antibiotics used in both studies increased significantly during the eight years in Salmonella typhimurium (40%-59%; P = 0.004), other serotypes (14%-23%; P = 0.001), and all serotypes combined (21%-31%; P` 0.001). The increase in frequency of resistance was significant for streptomycin (P = 0.022), sulfonamides (P` 0.001), am- picillin (P ` 0.001), and kanamycin (P ` 0.001). No chloramphenicol-resistant isolates were found in the 1967 study, whereas six isolates (0.8%) were resistant in 1975. The frequency of strains resistant to six or more antibiotics increased greatly (0.8%-5.0%; P` 0.001). These data document a continuing increase in antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella isolates.

Informing the 2011 UN session on noncommunicable diseases : Applying lessons from the AIDS response

Lamptey, P., Merson, M. H., Piot, P., Reddy, K. S., & Dirks, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

PLoS Medicine

Volume

8

Issue

9

10.1371/journal.pmed.1001086

Abstract

Abstract

~

Innovating through “interesting times” in global health

Batson, A., Merson, M. H., & Dzau, V. (n.d.).

Publication year

2017

Journal title

The Lancet

Volume

390

Issue

10106

Page(s)

e33-e34

10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32522-9

Abstract

Abstract

~

Introductory commentary : a strategic review of options for building on lessons learnt from IMCI and iCCM

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

Publication year

2018

Journal title

BMJ (Clinical research ed.)

Volume

362

Page(s)

bmj.k3013

10.1136/bmj.k3013

Abstract

Abstract

~

Laboratory investigation of diarrhea in travelers to Mexico : Evaluation of methods for detecting enterotoxigenic Echerichia coli

Merson, M. H., Morris, G. K., Merson, M. H., Sack, D. A., Wells, J. G., Martin, W. T., Dewitt, W. E., Feeley, J. C., Sack, R. B., & Bessudo, D. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1976

Journal title

Journal of Clinical Microbiology

Volume

3

Issue

5

Page(s)

486-495

Abstract

Abstract

A laboratory investigation was conducted on cultures collected from travelers before, during, and after a trip to Mexico to characterize the etiology of traveler's diarrhea. Four laboratory methods for detecting enterotoxigenicity of Escherichia coli were evaluated: the infant mouse assay, the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell assay, the Y1 adrenal cell assay, and the rabbit ileal loop. Although a number of common enteric pathogens were identified as a cause of traveler's diarrhea, including six serotypes of Salmonella, two serotypes of Shigella, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli was most commonly isolated. Strains were identified that produced only heat labile enterotoxin (LT), only heat stable enterotoxin (ST), or both LT and ST. The infant mouse assay yielded results falling into two distinct groups, providing a clear separation of positive and negative cultures. The CHO assay also formed two groups, with positive cultures producing 11% or more of the elongated cells. There was good agreement between the CHO and the Y1 adrenal cell assays for detection of LT. The adrenal cell system for detection of LT was more suitable than the CHO assay for processing large numbers of specimens because of the miniculture modification of this method utilized in this study. The infant mouse method was a simple and reliable method for detecting ST.

Living with HIV infection : Perceptions of patients with access to care at a non-governmental organization in Chennai, India

Tarakeshwar, N., Krishnan, A. K., Johnson, S., Solomon, S., Sikkema, K., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Culture, Health and Sexuality

Volume

8

Issue

5

Page(s)

407-421

10.1080/13691050600859609

Abstract

Abstract

Through interviews, we examined explanatory frameworks of living with HIV infection among 50 HIV-positive individuals (23 women, 27 men) receiving care at a non-governmental organization in Chennai, India. Results were analysed according to three sets of issues, all of which were found to differ by gender: causal beliefs about HIV, impact of HIV, and care/treatment of HIV. HIV-positive participants attributed their infection to biological, moral and social causes, and the physical, financial and relationship dimensions of their lives were impacted upon by the infection. Furthermore, HIV-related stigma evoked fears about isolation and discrimination. Regarding care/treatment, men were most usually first initiated into the healthcare system while women often entered as a consequence of their partner's condition. Non-adherence to medication was reported by 32% of the participants due to financial constraints or side-effects. Although all participants were hopeful about a cure for HIV, women were less positive than men about treatment. Results highlight the importance of a gender-sensitive approach to HIV care, nuanced to accommodate an individual's gender, marital status and social background.

Low antibody levels associated with significantly increased rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a highly vaccinated population from the US National Basketball Association

Tai, C. G., Haviland, M. J., Kissler, S. M., Lucia, R. M., Merson, M. H., Maragakis, L. L., Ho, D. D., Anderson, D. J., DiFiori, J., Grubaugh, N. D., Grad, Y. H., & Mack, C. D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Journal of Medical Virology

Volume

96

Issue

3

10.1002/jmv.29505

Abstract

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels may serve as a correlate for immunity and could inform optimal booster timing. The relationship between antibody levels and protection from infection was evaluated in vaccinated individuals from the US National Basketball Association who had antibody levels measured at a single time point from September 12, 2021, to December 31, 2021. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk of infection within 90 days of serologic testing by antibody level (800 AU/mL1), adjusting for age, time since last vaccine dose, and history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Individuals were censored on date of booster receipt. The analytic cohort comprised 2323 individuals and was 78.2% male, 68.1% aged ≤40 years, and 56.4% vaccinated (primary series) with the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine. Among the 2248 (96.8%) individuals not yet boosted at antibody testing, 77% completed their primary vaccine series 4–6 months before testing and the median (interquartile range) antibody level was 293.5 (interquartile range: 121.0–740.5) AU/mL. Those with levels 800 AU/mL. Antibody levels could inform individual COVID-19 risk and booster scheduling.

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.

MATERNAL CHOLERA IMMUNISATION AND SECRETORY IgA IN BREAST MILK

Merson, M. H., Black, R. E., Sack, D. A., Svennerholm, A. M., & Holmgren, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1980

Journal title

The Lancet

Volume

315

Issue

8174

Page(s)

931-932

10.1016/S0140-6736(80)90860-0

Abstract

Abstract

~

Mission now possible for AIDS fund

Hale, P., Makgoba, M. W., Merson, M. H., Quinn, T. C., Richman, D. D., Vella, S., Wabwire-Mangen, F., Wain-Hobson, S., & Weiss, R. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Nature

Volume

412

Issue

6844

Page(s)

271-272

10.1038/35085650

Abstract

Abstract

~

Nutritional status, body size and severity of diarrhoea associated with rotavirus or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Merson, M. H., Black, R. E., Merson, M. H., Eusof, A., Huq, I., & Pollard, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1984

Journal title

Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Volume

87

Issue

2

Page(s)

83-89

Abstract

Abstract

Children with severe malnutrition have an increased risk of death from diarrhoea. To determine if the clinical manifestations of specific types of diarrhoea differed according to the nutritional status or size (weight and length) of the patient, we studied children with acute diarrhoea associated with rotavirus or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. In this study we found that a child's body size, which was determined by his age and nutritional status, was a significant predictor of his rate of stool output per kilogram of body weight. Thus, children who are small because of young age and/or malnutrition appear to lose a greater proportion of their total fluid volume during diarrhoea and might be expected to have a higher frequency of severe dehydration and death, if untreated.

ORAL HYDRATION IN ROTAVIRUS DIARRHŒA : A DOUBLE BLIND COMPARISON OF SUCROSE WITH GLUCOSE ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION

Sack, D. A., Eusof, A., Merson, M. H., Black, R. E., Chowdhury, A. M., Akbar Ali, M., Islam, S., & Brown, K. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1978

Journal title

The Lancet

Volume

312

Issue

8084

Page(s)

280-283

10.1016/S0140-6736(78)91687-2

Abstract

Abstract

Of 57 male children, aged 5 months to 21/2 years with rotavirus diarrhœa, 28 were given oral therapy with sucrose electrolyte solution and 29 were given glucose electrolyte solution in a randomised double-blind trial. All were rehydrated and remained so on oral therapy alone. These patients were compared with 44 children, also with rotavirus, who were treated only with intravenous hydration. The oral therapy and intravenous therapy groups did not differ clinically in the rate of rehydration or the rate of purging. Vomiting did not prevent the giving of oral therapy during hospital admission. Bangladeshi children with rotavirus diarrhœa have a defect of carbohydrate digestion but this defect does not prevent the use of a sugar electrolyte solution for oral hydration.

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 rehydration therapy : Recent advances

Merson, M. H., Mahalanabis, D., Merson, M. H., & Barua, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1981

Journal title

World Health Forum

Volume

2

Issue

2

Page(s)

245-249

Abstract

Abstract

~

Oral rehydration therapy for treatment of rotavirus diarrhea in a rural treatment center in Bangladesh

Merson, M. H., Taylor, P. R., Merson, M. H., Black, R. E., Mizanur Rahman, A. S., Yunus, M. D., Alim, A. R., & Yolken, R. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1980

Journal title

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Volume

55

Issue

5

Page(s)

376-379

10.1136/adc.55.5.376

Abstract

Abstract

In November 1977, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting rotavirus antigen was introduced in the laboratory of a rural treatment center in Bangladesh. During the next 40 days rotavirus without other pathogens was found in the stools of 216 (45%) of 480 children under age 5 yr who visited the center with a gastrointestinal illness. One hundred and eighty-eight (87%) of these children were treated with oral rehydration alone, using the solution currently recommended by the World Health Organization, while 28 (13%) also required some intravenous rehydration; there were no deaths. Oral rehydration treatment was judged successful in 205 (95%) of the rotavirus patients and was not associated with any serious side effects. Oral rehydration treatment, with this solution, has been used extensively and successfully in the treatment of enterotoxin-mediated diarrhea and can also safely be used for treating rotavirus diarrhea in infants and young children.

ORAL TYPHOID VACCINE Ty21a

Merson, M. H., Sutton, R. G., & Merson, M. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1983

Journal title

The Lancet

Volume

321

Issue

8323

Page(s)

523

10.1016/S0140-6736(83)92205-5

Abstract

Abstract

~

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

~

Origin of pleural fluid amylase in esophageal rupture.

Merson, M. H., Sherr, H. P., Light, R. W., Merson, M. H., Wolf, R. O., Taylor, L. L., & Hendrix, T. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1972

Journal title

Annals of internal medicine

Volume

76

Issue

6

Page(s)

985-986

10.7326/0003-4819-76-6-985

Abstract

Abstract

~

Outbreaks of waterbone disease in the United States, 1971-1972

Merson, M. H., Merson, M. H., Barker, W. H., Craun, G. F., & McCabe, L. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1974

Journal title

Journal of Infectious Diseases

Volume

129

Issue

5

Page(s)

614-615

10.1093/infdis/129.5.614

Abstract

Abstract

There were 47 outbreaks of waterborne disease comprising 6,817 cases in 1971 and 1972 (18 in 1971 with 5,179 cases, and 29 in 1972 with 1,638 cases). 30 states reported at least one outbreak. The largest outbreak comprised approximately 3,500 cases, and occurrred in Pico Rivera, Calif., in the summer of 1971. The annual average number of reported outbreaks increased during these 2 years, as compared with the last three 5 yr periods, probably as a result of renewed interest in surveillance activities.

Overcoming barriers to collaboration between basic behavioral scientists and public health scientists in research on mental disorders

Muehrer, P. R., Salovey, P., Afifi, A. A., Coyne, J. C., Kring, A. M., Merson, M. H., Prohaska, T. R., & Rozensky, R. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

Volume

9

Issue

4

Page(s)

253-265

10.1023/A:1020758416171

Abstract

Abstract

The behavioral and public health sciences both have a long and rich history supporting basic, translational, and applied research aimed at improving human lives and reducing human suffering. Through the complementary expertise of these disciplines, investigators have contributed to significant, worldwide improvements in mental and physical health. Further gains can be achieved through collaborative research among scientists in these 2 fields. Unfortunately, there are a number of barriers to such collaboration originating in different intellectual traditions, research methods, and the structure and values of academia. We identify these barriers and potential strategies for overcoming them. Several areas for future collaborative research appear promising, especially comorbid mental and physical disorders, adherence to interventions, stigma, and emotional processes. Theory-guided preventive interventions may represent especially fertile areas of collaborative effort.

Partnership Conference

Bartlett, J. A., Cao, S., Mmbaga, B., Qian, X., Merson, M. H., & Kramer, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2017

Journal title

Annals of Global Health

Volume

83

Issue

3-4

Page(s)

630-636

10.1016/j.aogh.2017.08.002

Abstract

Abstract

Background The Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) was founded in 2006 with a goal to foster interdisciplinary global health education and research across Duke University and Duke Medical Center. Critical to achieving this goal is the need to develop and sustain strong international partnerships. Objective To host a conference with multiple international partners and strengthen existing relationships. Methods After a deliberate year-long planning process, DGHI convened a Partnership Conference with its international partners on the Duke University campus in conjunction with its 10th Anniversary Celebration. The Partnership Conference sought to promote an exchange of novel ideas in support of global health education and research, explore new collaborations in South-South relationships, and identify and facilitate pursuit of new educational and research opportunities. Findings A total of 25 partners from 10 countries and 46 DGHI faculty members participated in the 3-day event in October 2016. Activities included workshops on preselected research topics, educational symposia on novel teaching methods and harnessing technological advances, introduction of the Health Humanities Laboratory to prepare students and trainees for fieldwork, and discussions of research infrastructure and training needs. Surveys from visiting partners revealed a high degree of satisfaction. Proposed action items include methods to realize improved communications, enhancement of mutual education opportunities, support and mentoring to build local research capacity, and more exchange of faculty and students between partnering institutions. Conclusions With careful planning from all parties, a multilateral partnership conference including both university and medical center faculty can be a productive forum for exchange on global health education and research. Sustaining such partnerships is vital to the success of global health scholarship.

Perspective : Global medicine: Opportunities and challenges for academic health science systems

Ackerly, D. C., Udayakumar, K., Taber, R., Merson, M. H., & Dzau, V. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

Academic Medicine

Volume

86

Issue

9

Page(s)

1093-1099

10.1097/ACM.0b013e318226b455

Abstract

Abstract

Globalization is having a growing impact on health and health care, presenting challenges as well as opportunities for the U.S. health care industry in general and for academic health science systems (AHSSs) in particular. The authors believe that AHSSs must develop long-term strategies that address their future role in global medicine. AHSSs should meet global challenges through planning, engagement, and innovation that combine traditional academic activities with entrepreneurial approaches to health care delivery, research, and education, including international public-private partnerships. The opportunities for U.S.-based AHSSs to be global health care leaders and establish partnerships that improve health locally and globally more than offset the potential financial, organizational, politico-legal, and reputational risks that exist in the global health care arena. By examining recent international activities of leading AHSSs, the authors review the risks and the critical factors for success and discuss external policy shifts in workforce development and accreditation that would further support the growth of global medicine.

Prevention of Traveler's Diarrhea

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

Publication year

1983

Journal title

Gastroenterology

Volume

84

Issue

2

Page(s)

424-426

10.1016/S0016-5085(83)80145-0

Abstract

Abstract

~