By strengthening healthcare systems and fostering global collaboration, we can minimise the risk of future pandemics write Sumer Singh Ahluwalia and Saisha Anand
COVID-19 has caused over 7,000,000 deaths worldwide, with countless others affected. These statistics barely begin to convey the immense impact of the pandemic, which brought loss to almost everyone. Wearing masks became the norm, schools transformed into virtual classrooms, and homes turned into makeshift workspaces. For a time, the world seemed to turn into a vast cemetery. Addressing and preventing future pandemics requires both personal behavioral changes and strict government regulations. These efforts can significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 and similar health crises in the future.
Origins and Ethical Considerations
The origin of COVID-19 remains controversial, though it is widely believed to have stemmed from an animal sold at the Huanan Seafood Market in China. The consumption of meat, normalised for centuries, has often been linked to the emergence of infectious diseases. Diseases arising from the butchering of animals highlight the need for dietary shifts. Vegetarianism, for instance, is a proactive step that could reduce the likelihood of zoonotic spillovers and the spread of diseases like COVID-19.
This also raises an ethical question: is it justifiable to kill animals merely to satisfy human taste preferences?
The Role of Vaccination
Vaccination has long been a topic of debate, and the COVID-19 vaccines faced significant backlash. Many were hesitant due to concerns about the intentions of pharmaceutical companies and the fact that the vaccines did not provide sterilising immunity. However, vaccinations remain essential to eradicating diseases. According to the National Center for Immunisation and Respiratory Diseases, individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine were 54 per cent less likely to contract SARS-CoV-2. Achieving herd immunity is crucial, requiring the transmission rate (Rt) to fall below 1, meaning each infected individual transmits the virus to less than one other person.
The concept of the “socialism of the microbe” emphasises our responsibility to protect others by safeguarding ourselves from infectious diseases. For instance, self-isolation, mask-wearing, and vaccination not only protect individuals but also shield vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated.
Preventative Measures
Personal precautions, such as wearing masks, self-isolating, and following hygiene protocols, are critical in containing the spread of viruses like SARS-CoV-2. A study in Bangladesh revealed that mask usage significantly reduced COVID-19 infections.
As an RNA virus, SARS-CoV-2 evolves quickly, facilitating asymptomatic transmission. Research by Wang and Tong, published in the ‘National Library of Medicine,’ stresses the importance of strict quarantine measures for asymptomatic individuals to control the pandemic.
Government Interventions
Not everyone maintains the same hygiene standards, underscoring the need for government intervention. Investments in research and healthcare infrastructure are essential for pandemic preparedness. Projects like the Global Virome Project and DEEP VZN aim to identify high-risk regions, animals, and viruses, enabling better predictions and preventive measures.
India’s 2021 healthcare crisis serves as a stark example of unpreparedness. A lack of oxygen, hospital beds, and essential facilities led to thousands of deaths daily. Despite this, the country still faces a deficit in healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for increased healthcare budgets.
Economic barriers also prevent many from accessing necessary care. A study published in the ‘National Library of Medicine’ found that one in six adults avoids healthcare due to cost. Governments could address this by subsidising basic health insurance, covering vaccines, health check-ups, and screenings. This would ensure equitable access to healthcare and encourage public participation in disease eradication efforts.
Education as a Tool for Change
Education plays a vital role in fostering behaviour change. Courses like “Global Change and Infectious Disease,” offered at Wesleyan University, teach valuable skills for reducing infection risks. Such courses should be mandatory to instill a lifelong sense of personal and social responsibility. Teaching hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing, should start at a young age, while mass educational campaigns can raise awareness about infectious diseases across all age groups. Social media can amplify these messages, encouraging responsible behaviors and helping curb the spread of future diseases.
Conclusion
Minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and preventing future pandemics requires a combination of personal behavioral changes and robust government interventions. These pandemics are a wake-up call, reminding us of the harmful impacts of human activities on the planet. By promoting practices like vegetarianism, personal hygiene, and social responsibility, we can mitigate the dangers of pandemics and build a hopeful future.
(Ahluwalia & Saisha are studying economics at Wesleyan University ; views are personal)
