What is it about?
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. The global economy has also experiences major setbacks because of the pandemic. But this pandemic was not anticipated, and countries were unprepared to deal with it. A book titled ‘Viruses, Vaccines, and Antivirals: Why Politics Matters’ puts forth a way for governments and policymakers to plan their responses to pandemics. It looks at first, the natural science, behind pandemics, such as what a virus is and how drugs and vaccines are developed. It then looks at the social science behind pandemics. This is explained with respect to anticipating pandemics, containing infection, controlling infections, and opening up society. Finally, it demonstrates the strength of the measures put forth in the book by comparing the pandemic responses of several countries. The book also aims to help those in natural science better understand policymaking and those in social science to better understand the science of infections.
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Why is it important?
One of the major reasons that pandemic response failed during the COVID-19 pandemic is that most countries were developing public policy responses individually. While no one anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic, it is rapidly becoming clear to scientists and policymakers that there are more pandemics looming ahead in the future. This makes it important to identify ways to manage future pandemics and health crises. It is also important for the natural and social scientific communities to come together and perform interdisciplinary research. This will make it easier to understand and prepare for future pandemics. KEY TAKEAWAY: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major upheaval in all our lives. It will not be the last pandemic to hit the world. We need to better prepare ourselves to manage future pandemics to avoid the disastrous consequences we have experienced this time around.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Chapter 1 Introduction, October 2021, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1515/9783110743609-002.
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Resources
How the COVID-19 pandemic fits within a larger global historical context
In many ways, the nature of modern society has made it easier for the rapid spread of new viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed flaws in our current society, such as power imbalances, inequality, injustice, and untenable political climates.
Revisiting emergency Europe in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic
A comprehensive understanding of various arms of emergency politics could provide answers to questions like ‘should the EU representatives be granted more powers to act in an emergency?’ and ‘are the governing policies limited to crisis management or do they pave way for new beginnings?’
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