It is the declaration and expectation of the World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The alarming increase of coronavirus infected people and deaths made WHO declare it a pandemic. Over 114 countries are hosting the virus. It killed more than 4,000 people, with 118,000 reported cases.
A pandemic is a Greek originated term meaning all people. It is a disease epidemic that has spread across multiple continents, or worldwide. Throughout history, there have been several pandemics of diseases such as smallpox and tuberculosis.
The current outbreak, along with COVID-19/coronavirus disease, is HIV/AIDS. COVID-19 and HIV are the viruses that cause the disorders of AIDS and coronavirus. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ tweets are trying to keep the balance of acceptance.
Coronavirus might accelerate the globalization plans
“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death. Describing the situation as a pandemic doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do,” Ghebreyesus said.
For many countries, the situation is devastating. Most of them are not prepared to contain the atrocious repercussions of the virus. Panicking and ignoring are both just as bad. International support is needed for slowing down the pace at which the virus is spreading.
“Today’s declaration of a #COVID19 pandemic is a call to action – for everyone, everywhere. It’s also a call for responsibility & solidarity – as nations united and as people united. As we fight the virus, we cannot let the fear go viral. Let’s overcome this common threat together,” calls António Guterres, the current Secretary-General of the United Nations. Let’s hope the Trump administration finds a way to get out of its ignorance and find common ground with António Guterres’s call.
References:
