An epidemic is the rapid spread of disease to many people in a given population within a short period. Globalisation has accelerated the rate of disease transmission. COVID-19 brought awareness about the impact and possibilities of what a pandemic can cause. The observance of “International Day of Epidemic Preparedness” started in 2020, recognising the world’s consequences due to epidemics like COVID. The day December 27 was chosen as it is the birthday of Louis Pasteur. The French biologist who carried out pioneering and ground-breaking work on vaccinations. We are into the third year of the observation, and ironically the fear of the fourth wave and resurgence of COVID is haunting human beings worldwide. Many doubt whether we will ever see the end of this pandemic. While human beings are struggling to cope with the challenge of handling a pandemic like COVID, they cannot be oblivious to the problems of animal and plant health. WHO has developed the “One Health Approach” to integrate human health with animal and plant health and environmental well-being. The COVID pandemic has not spared anyone, be it rich or poor, influenced, ordinary or whoever. The coronavirus has shown how small human beings are. The fact that the world can develop a vaccine to handle the pandemic in such a short period gives hope. Once the world moves on, leaving the pandemic behind, it reminds humanity that despite all the progress and advancements in science and technology, a lot is to be achieved, and it is a work in progress. Many lessons are to be learnt.
COVID-19 is a human tragedy. But it has also created a generational opportunity. An opportunity to build back a more equal and sustainable world. The response to the pandemic and to the widespread discontent that preceded it must be based on a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal that create equal opportunities for all and respect the rights and freedoms of all.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN
An epidemic is the rapid spread of disease to many people in a given population within a short period. Globalisation has accelerated the rate of disease transmission. COVID-19 brought awareness about the impact and possibilities of what a pandemic can cause. The observance of “International Day of Epidemic Preparedness” started in 2020, recognising the world’s consequences due to epidemics like COVID. The day December 27 was chosen as it is the birthday of Louis Pasteur. The French biologist who carried out pioneering and ground-breaking work on vaccinations. The observation of the day ensures the preparedness of the world to tackle such epidemics. Introducing the resolution to UN General Assembly, Vietnam’s ambassador to the UN, Dang Dinh Quy, observed: “The pandemic caught us off guard, but it also has served as a wake-up call for improving our preparedness”. We are into the third year of the observation, and ironically the fear of the fourth wave and resurgence of COVID in a different variant form haunts human beings worldwide. Many are doubting whether we will ever see the end of this pandemic.
Many common diseases can cause epidemics, including Measles, Ebola, Cholera, and Influenza. History has recorded many outbreaks which have caused the loss of many lives. An estimate puts the loss of lives due to Spanish flu (Influenza A/H1N1) at 100 million. HIV/AIDS continue to haunt the world, and so are various forms of Influenza, TB, and hepatitis. Loss of lives devastates families, societies and nations. There is a need to raise awareness, exchange information, scientific knowledge, and best practices, ensure quality education, and run advocacy programs on epidemics.
While human beings are struggling to cope with the challenge of handling a pandemic like COVID, they cannot be oblivious to the problems of animal and plant health. WHO has developed the “One Health Approach” to integrate human health with animal and plant health and environmental well-being. It is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimise resources.
Several crises are created due to human beings’ greed and insistence on establishing their authority. The humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia (in Tigray), where more than 20 million people are facing an unprecedented emergency for survival, is a reminder to all. WHO, along with partners, is trying its best to reach out. A situation which should not have been created in the first place.
Epidemics have a significant impact on societies. A timely and coordinated effort from all is needed to mitigate the impact of an epidemic. By being prepared, communities can reduce the number of cases and deaths and the economic and social implications.
The COVID pandemic has not spared anyone, be it rich or poor, influenced, ordinary or whoever. The coronavirus has shown how little human beings are. The fact that the world can come out with a vaccine for COVID in such a short period gives hope. Once the world moves on, leaving the pandemic behind, it reminds humanity that despite all the progress and advancements in science and technology, a lot is to be achieved, and it is a work in progress. Many lessons are to be learnt.
Toons: Reema
Logs: M Sai Baba
The ToonLogs posted on the same topic in 2020 can be accessed at: https://niascomm.in/2020/12/28/international-day-of-epidemic-preparedness/
