Case for joint effort
Globalization does not mean only integration of world economy. It also means much faster movement of flu virus across borders. Which is borne out by the fact that the influenza A(H1N1) has spread to 18 countries and regions with 898 cases of infection in little over a week since it was first reported in Mexico.
Tighter control at airports to keep the virus outside a country can be one way to stop it from spreading to a larger part of the world. But involvement of all countries in the effort to fight against it is much more important.
China got involved immediately after the outbreak by offering aid to Mexico in the form of both cash and medical supplies. The medical supplies include infrared thermometers, masks, disinfectants and other necessities for the fight against the virus.
What is noteworthy is the fact that China will also provide medical service to help Mexico in its efforts against the epidemic. Such service may turn out to be valuable as the country has had the experience of dealing with SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003.
The virus is different, but the method developed by Chinese medical workers to identify the SARS virus and the medication to help the affected people overcome the infection probably resulted in a more effective way of dealing with the epidemic.
The United States also provided Mexico with medical aid. And, joint efforts by medical workers in different countries to work on vaccines or ways to effectively treat the affected will also raise the efficacy of preventive measures to contain the epidemic from spreading further.
In this global village, the outbreak of an epidemic even a hemisphere away can be as near as your neighbor. So it is necessary for any country to extend a helping hand to whichever nation is affected by such an outbreak. In fact, we are helping ourselves by doing so.
Chinese leaders have asserted, on many occasions, that China is a responsible country. The medical aid and service the country has offered to Mexico once again testifies to the fact that the country is carrying out its responsibilities to the world.
The ever-increasing inter-dependence between countries makes it impossible for any country to be completely isolated from the rest of the world. When we benefit from the integration of the world economy, all countries have the obligation, too, to contribute to the well being of the international community.
(China Daily 05/05/2009 page8)
