| |
| |
![]() |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SINGAPORE : International borders count for nothing when it comes to the spread of infectious diseases, and a new level of cooperation to tackle health threats is needed with rapid globalisation .
Speaking at the World Health Day debate on International Health Security on Monday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recalled that the SARS outbreak in 2003 had claimed lives and put a dent in the Singapore economy.
While it has been dealt with, other health threats such as HIV/AIDS and the avian flu loom.
He said that to cope with possible pandemics three broad strategies are needed.
PM Lee urged the global community to pool resources and share information, the way intelligence agencies work together against terrorism.
But he also admitted that it's often easier said than done.
"Despite frequent calls by the international community for the release of more data, scientific agencies today are still holding them back. We need to move away from this dangerous, outdated mindset", said PM Lee.
He added that there is a need to build trust, as the failure of some governments to deal transparently with the problem contributed to the further spread of the virus both within and between countries, and hindered work.
"Some countries have been reluctant to share viral samples for vaccine research because they want to ensure access to vaccines for themselves at reasonable prices."
Mr Lee went to add, "Pharmaceutical companies assume big risks when funding research for vaccines. They need assurances that intellectual property from their research will be protected, so as to earn adequate returns on their investments."
During the debate, the World Health Organisation (WHO) also called on countries to be more open when it comes to reporting infections. Although this could cause some short-term losses, the impact will be far smaller than withholding information.
WHO said its revised International Health Regulations, which will come into force on June 15 this year, was more proactive and would help improve transparency.
For instance, it would allow the organisation to rely on alternative sources of information like the media, when the government chooses not to report new infections or an outbreak in their country.
Besides infectious diseases, the new regulations would also be expanded to include public emergencies like chemical spills and radiological incidents.
Director-General of WHO, Dr Margaret Chan, said that last year alone, 52 percent of the 197 outbreaks verified were first reported in the media.
The panelists also agreed that help must be given to developing countries.
Dr Margaret Chan, said, "The financing, the human resources, and the infrastructural requirement... these are broadly some key issues and of course depending on (each) country's situation, they may have different requirements. WHO would be able to work with our donors and partners through bilateral support or through technical support to help countries to build their capacity."
Still, it is not enough for governments and the health sector alone to keep threats at bay.
Jonas Gahr Store, Foreign Affairs Minister, Norway, said, "The private sector has the capacity and talent and ability to do things the public sector can never do, such as very advanced logistics (and) very advanced planning."
In his speech, Mr Lee also highlighted that Singapore would coordinate efforts in the region to control and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, when it assumes the Chair of the ASEAN task force for AIDS later this year. - CNA/ms
|
