Baek Gyeong-ran "Feeling a Heavy Responsibility... Establishing Quarantine Policies Based on Scientific Evidence"

Using Big Data to Produce Scientific Evidence
Enhancing Systems for Efficient Response to Emerging Infectious Diseases
Respect for the Efforts of Former Director Jeong Eun-kyung

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Baek Kyung-ran, the new Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), expressed, "It is a personal honor to be able to serve as Commissioner, and at the same time, I feel a heavy responsibility," and showed her commitment to 'scientific quarantine.'

On the 18th, Commissioner Baek held an inauguration ceremony at the KDCA headquarters in Osong, Chungbuk, stating, "We will redefine the role of the control tower for infectious disease disaster crisis response, focus our capabilities on the safe transition to a new normal, and overcome the COVID-19 crisis."

As a key priority, Commissioner Baek first cited 'scientific quarantine.' She said, "We will utilize accumulated big data to produce scientific evidence and establish quarantine policies based on it, thereby reorganizing the infectious disease response system," adding, "We will widely gather expert opinions during this process."

Commissioner Baek also explained, "We will secure sufficient quantities of various treatments, including oral therapeutics, and prepare for additional vaccinations without delay in anticipation of a COVID-19 resurgence." She continued, "New forms of emerging infectious diseases can occur at any time even after COVID-19," adding, "We will advance the infectious disease response system to be superior, faster, more efficient, and innovative than ever before."

Next, Commissioner Baek stated, "We will develop the KDCA into a central institution for national public health and healthcare research and development based on scientific evidence." She also announced plans to expand healthcare R&D, including infectious disease prediction and crisis analysis research. In particular, Commissioner Baek emphasized, "To strengthen the development capabilities of infectious disease vaccines and therapeutics, we will expand research and development and infrastructure investment for emerging infectious disease response."

Additionally, Commissioner Baek mentioned ▲ strengthening basic and clinical research on various diseases beyond emerging and endemic infectious diseases ▲ expanding cooperation with leading overseas institutions to enhance global status ▲ expanding national immunization support projects such as the introduction of rotavirus vaccines for infants and young children.

Regarding Jeong Eun-kyung, the inaugural and former Commissioner, she said, "I know better than anyone how tirelessly she pondered and worked to find the best measures for the health of the people and social safety amid the highly uncertain COVID-19 pandemic," adding, "She worked very hard to lead the KDCA, which was established less than two years ago, to develop rapidly."