The global health network in the 21st Century: "Telehealth, homecare, genetics, counter-bioterrorism, security and privacy of information, do we need it and are we ready for it?"

The Information Era we live in has created new challenges and opportunities. This age of information highways has an economic price which has not been properly evaluated. Detailed studies are needed to prove the cost and medical effectiveness of these technologies, as well as their effects on the quality of life. Our society's future may depend on it. People are living longer, while discoveries in genetics and in information technology are not only helping to produce newer drugs faster but are also providing the opportunity to exploit new areas such as disease prevention. These technologies provide a variety of opportunities to address public health challenges, such as universal access for the uneducated, counter-bioterrorism, telemedicine, distance education and home care. These opportunities present new challenges, such as surveillance and the privacy/confidentiality/security of personal information which will affect all of our lives. No strategy has been presented publicly yet, addressing the benefits or the pitfalls of such technologies.