Restrict Globalization - What is the Idea?
The supports of deglobalization want to build walls such as the Great Wall of China, restrict voyages and travel, decrease the trading between countries. Yes, in these times of Corona crisis, it is needed to put a temporary quarantine, but long time implications of isolation among countries can trigger a financial collapse. In short, the most required factor at the present time is co-operation among all countries and definitely, not isolation.
History and Epidemics
Epidemics such as plague and small pox have destroyed many civilizations around the globe. There were times, when people used to leave the entire city and villages, move to a new place to start a new life. In the ancient ages, there were no proper means of transport such as ships and airplanes. But still the epidemics happened. For example, just notice the Black Death epidemic of 14th century. The death toll comes to millions from countries right from Western Europe to East Asia. Nearly more than 19 million people lost their lives.
It was in 1520, the small pox started in Central America and wiped nearly a fourth of its native population.
A deadly flu started in 1918, and spread to many corners of the world. The total population lost was 100 million. When compared to lives lost in First World War, the toll is more.
How Our Ancestors Faced An Epidemic
To be honest, they tried every measure and method to control the epidemic. Many methods were unsanitary and did not bring good results. Some cultures relied on superstition and thought the epidemic was a curse or punishment from the Gods. In some countries, the healthy people used to shift to other places leaving behind the dead, sick and undeserving livestock. There is also proof of human sacrifice to appease the Gods as a means of warding off the epidemic.
What are the measures followed in recent times to combat any epidemic?
Although epidemics did continue to rear their head every now and then, the process of sanitation and cleanliness did help to curb the casualties. The main reason for millions of deaths in the old ages was due to the fact, our ancestors did not understand the disease and the reasons for its spreading so fast.
In recent times, a virus can spread within a few hours to all parts of the globe, courtesy air travel. But any epidemic will not cause deaths in millions, the reason, exchange of information. The best defense humanity has against any disease in recent time is information in the form of scientific analysis and preventive medicine prepared at the earliest.
It was in the 1900s, that medicine professionals of every country came together and exchanged information about diseases in every country. Then, the vaccination programme started on a global scale. Thanks to the sincere efforts of these medicine professionals, some highly contagious diseases such as small pox were completely eliminated as early as 1979.
In the earlier days, it was difficult to collect samples from affected people without being infected. Now, with recent medical equipment in the form of gloves and face masks, the professionals can easily collect samples, analyse, identify and then suggest the possible cure in the form of antibiotics. People in the old ages, could not determine the cause of diseases such as Black Death and died in millions. But when the Corona outbreak happened, medical professionals took less than 15 days to identify the virus, its genetics and the possible ways to identify affected people, put them in isolation and prevent the spreading of this disease on large scale.
What Did You Learn From The History of Epidemics?
The very fact, globalisation has caused many deaths is proved wrong once again. Without proper transportation, many epidemics caused millions of deaths in the earlier times.
The real protection against any epidemic is when the country first affected should share the information regarding the disease to its neighbouring countries as soon as possible. In this situation, it is trust and mutual understanding that matters a lot in preventing the spread of disease. All other countries should also extend a helping hand to the affected country. Today, with Corona virus making mayhem all over the world, China has to teach countries lessons about the virus.
Co-operation is also mandatory when countries try their best to restrict travel from citizens of other nations during an epidemic. If countries do not trust each other, then the information on disease becomes useless.
In the last century, the war against small pox was won, because every country participated in the vaccination programme. If one country had failed to fall in line, then the small pox would have remained and waited for the right moment to strike. But it did not happen.
Please note, the entire humankind at recent times needs to establish a clear border line. It is not between countries and nations. But the line needs to be put clearly between humans and viruses. Viruses which have caused deaths in recent times have come from animals to humans. For example, Ebola virus. So, communities all over the world have to be explained on the safety measures and precautions. Or else, every now and then, the border line between virus and man will be broken because of a transmission. Then the entire human race will become sitting ducks for a new hunter virus.
With the content in the earlier paragraph, some facts also have to be taken in consideration. There exist some cultures in the world, where the people are not even knowledgeable about basic healthcare services. These people may become the targets of transmission.
Since the last half a century, medical science has geared itself to meet the challenges of epidemics. There exists an entire army in the form of medical professionals, nurses and other staff to patrol the world and safeguard from any epidemic.
What Are The Major Factors Which Can Help An Epidemic Spread Faster?
True, we have all the medical facilities, but countries have lost trust in one another. In some countries, corrupt politicians do not provide grants to medical institutions and hamper their growth and research. There is a section of society which does not trust scientific medical expert advice and carry on their lives as per their will. All these factors can contribute to spreading of a disease among many countries.
Conclusion
Let us hope that the Corona Scare will promote trust between countries. Let us not focus on the topic - has globalization helped corona virus to spread rapidly. It is a painful lesson, but let us turn this unfortunate event to an opportunity to make the bonds between countries stronger. The brotherhood between countries can make the entire human race stand strong against any catastrophe (natural or health-related). Let us make a resolve to cross the planet, if needed, any time to combat a threat that can threaten the entire human race.
At present, let us pray in our hearts to the Supreme Power to save this Mother Earth from the impact of Corona Virus.