9,999 viruses are expected to strike humans, SARS-CoV-2 is only an example: Experts
The jump of viruses from different animal species to humans is to be expected
Hyderabad: Another 9,999 different viruses are expected to strike humans and SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19, is only an example of what can happen, experts said at the Deccan Dialogue organised by the Indian School of Business (ISB) here on Monday. The topic was, “Crisis and Cooperation: Imperative in times of Pandemic’.
The jump of viruses from different animal species to humans is to be expected, they said. There are various reasons across the globe for viruses are seeking human bodies as hosts to survive. Hence, outbreaks across the world are to be expected. To be alert to the infections and confine them to one place will be a huge task for the international community.
Dr Krishna Ella, chairman and managing director at Bharat Biotech International Limited, said, “We need to have accurate models in place to predict the manner in which these outbreaks could spread. The government needs to have an epidemiologist in the ministry of external affairs who will be able to identify hotspots where there are small disease outbreaks. This can help in protecting the country and guarding them.”
The outbreak of chikungunya, yellow fever, zika and dengue were the first indications but these were not taken seriously.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has for the first time in its history prioritised health security which has been a very different work mode. To adapt to this development required a change in the mindset both in terms of thinking and execution.
Ambassador Rahul Chhabra, secretary, economic relations, MEA, said, “Health security was not a main table agenda in international discussions but, post-pandemic, it has become a top agenda. It has now been realised that nobody is safe until all are safe. We are seriously going to look into having an epidemiologist on board to understand how it will help us look at health security in a better form.”
The health aspect is now deep-rooted with medicines like hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and paracetamol supplied to 150 countries in the world by India.
There was also technology collaboration in terms of programs where healthcare workers in SARCC and African countries were trained in e-counselling. Telemedicine is another avenue where Indian companies are providing technology support to these countries. Pandemic has now opened India’s technological and healthcare expertise to the world.