Questions and Answers on Virus

 Questions and Answers on Virus

 

a.         Do you agree with the proposition that where nature creates viruses, humanity and systems of inequity and inequality are responsible for pandemics?  Why or why not?

 

I agree with the proposition that where nature creates viruses, humanity and systems of inequity and inequality are responsible for pandemics.

 

Humans have been fighting natural disasters or viruses since old age. We know how to manage or have some idea of how we can minimize the health issues/problems with viruses. But because of system inequity and inequality, we don't make the right and firm decision to fix or minimize the virus issues.

 

When the first COVID-19 virus started spreading, the world could have stopped visiting China in person. This way, the virus would have been kept in one place. China used this method in its own country and could stop the massive spreading. However, other countries didn't want to lose any business (or money) with China, so their human movements (for business purposes) continued, and the virus spread worldwide. We know people from all over the world do business with China.

 

Many countries developed the vaccine, including Canada and Bangladesh. However, the world leaders only accepted three companies' vaccines, which were sold worldwide at a high price.

 

The rich countries spent a lot of money and bought more vaccines than they needed. Now, there are no more for the developing countries, or they cannot afford to buy vaccines.

 

It seems rich countries thought we would be safe if we could prevent the virus. But nowadays, people travel everywhere, some for business, some for families, or just for recreation. So, the virus also moves from developing countries to rich countries.

 

The reality is you are not safe unless the world is safe.

 

b.         Reflect on at least one of the stakeholders from the in-class debate (Corporations, Precarious Workers, Governments, Social Media, and Vulnerable Communities) and discuss their role in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Social Media:

 

Many people blame social media for disinformation about COVID-19-related news, which is true. At the same time, we should also agree that it has positive sides.

All information related to COVID-19 mostly went to the public through Social Media. All suggestions, protests, and other activities were also generated and executed and became news by Social Media. Social media helped people stay close and entertained when they were locked down. Some people learned and then became famous by making videos.

 

Like Tagore, we must understand that if you want the wind in your room, you must let the dust come inside, too.

 

 c. Many scientists predict that there will be more pandemics to come. Reflecting on patterns of inequality and preparedness and our experience of the current pandemic, develop a 3-point plan (you could add more points if you wish) to better prepare us against this type of disaster in the future.

 

            Three points:

1.    If any pandemic starts, through the World Health Organisation, we must take all necessary steps to recover. Not wait until it attacks our own country. The whole world should help and work together at every step. And also should research how to prevent this forever.

2.    Every country should invest in their health system to have enough resources to give service to every citizen. No one should discriminate against others for their poverty or race.

3.    No business or money-making policy should take place to make vaccines or medicine. This issue should be managed universally, and all must have access to them.