Global outbreak

Alarm bells are setting off across the world with every sneeze, cough or sore throat because of a surge in swine flu cases affecting more than 30 countries. With the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirming more than 5,000 cases of swine flu, the organisation's Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, said the world is better prepared in case of a global outbreak of the disease. In the UAE, authorities have launched various programmes including mock response drills and awareness campaigns to address the issue. How do you think the world can avoid a pandemic?

The world is still not prepared to handle a pandemic

While the developed countries may be prepared to handle a crisis, the developing world would definitely face problems. Additionally, I doubt whether developed countries would be able to help in such a case. If they are unable to provide support and cure for the existing diseases affecting the world, it is near impossible they would be able to help with swine flu, which is still somewhat of a mystery.
Fizza Mehdi
Abu Dhabi

The swine flu has come up recently and there may be a shortage of vaccines. Therefore, I am not sure how the world will be able to handle any global outbreak. However, it may help if there is more information and awareness. I, for one, am not aware of the symptoms or the cures of the flu and would like to know more about it.
Rahul Manghnani
Dubai

The world does not know much about the flu or a cure to it. I had only heard of bird flu previously and now this disease has come to the fore. Initially, I was not shocked to hear about it, but I am definitely concerned about whether the steps being taken to contain it are effective. More public awareness is also needed about the cure for the flu.
Syed Qamar
Sharjah

I have been reading a lot in the newspaper about the precautionary measures being taken to contain the flu. I also read about the mock drill that took place in Abu Dhabi. There are many measures being taken to ensure it does not spread. However, it would be more effective to focus on preventive measures, because in case the flu spreads, it may be difficult to cater to a large number of patients.
Yash Ramchandani
Dubai

Too much information by media is creating a global panic about swine flu

It is always better to have vital information about any such issue. The media is one such instrument to measure the information and present it globally. However, it creates problems and confusion if the information is not based on fact, causing panic. In the case of swine flu, the common man panicked because of the way the information was served as it did appear that the entire society was at risk.
Sujit Goswami
Dubai

Whenever news of a fatal flu is heard, it is bound to create panic. But at the same time the information conveyed by the media regarding the cause, prevention and medication of swine flu will definitely help in creating awareness among the public and make everyone handle the problem with more confidence.
Syed Rafath Allah
Dubai

I appreciate the steps being taken by the media. It is vital that people are made aware of the consequences of such outbreaks as it will help prevent its spread. For example, one would think twice before going on a holiday to an affected country. It is vital that the media projects a larger-than-life image, so that people may understand at least part of what is told.
Swathy Kishore
Dubai

People are taking many steps out of panic because of all the coverage. However, there is a lot of misinformation among the public. The media should make people aware of what exactly the swine flu is and how it spreads to take more sensible and informed decisions. With the right information, people will be able to take precautions according to their needs.
Suman Rao
Dubai

Travel bans are an effective way to control the spread of viral diseases

Every once in a while we hear of a new disease affecting the world. We should try to find the cause and how it can be controlled. Not travelling to a certain area depends on the situation. Nobody would needlessly spend money on travelling if it is not related to work. However, one may avoid overstaying or any extra social activity. The media is playing a good role by making people aware of the symptoms and cure of the disease.
Munawar Aziz
Dubai

If one travels to an affected country, not only are you in danger of catching the flu but also risk the health of people in your own country. I think temporary travel bans would be effective, as they will ensure there isn't a global outbreak of the disease. People should avoid places where infections have been reported, especially with summer coming up. Better travel to countries, which are free of swine flu.
Abir Ahmad Ansari
Sharjah

If the flu has already spread within a country, one may as well stop it from spreading to other countries by implementing a travel ban. Most of the countries seem to be well-aware of the problem, so they may have taken the required measures to tackle it. As far as the UAE is concerned, I am not worried about the problem, because they have already taken so many steps in advance.
Natasha Guedes
Fujairah

While it may sound selfish to implement such a ban, it would probably be a good step to protect others. I am not aware of the recent developments on the issue, I do know that people have lost their lives to the flu. The UAE has taken appropriate steps and the world should find a cure as soon as possible apart from making people aware of the causes of swine flu and how it can be avoided.
Syeda Maheen Jafri
Sharjah

Governments need to spend more time and budgets on national healthcare rather than defence programmes

Most countries divert mammoth funding for better defence capabilities. However, more attention needs to be given to improving healthcare, and controlled preventive measures need to be established to counter any epidemic. In order to establish a proper monitoring cell, they need to be brought under the direct control of the United Nations. Similarly, defence spending should be controlled by a UN body.
Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman

The effect of disease is equivalent to a war — loss of life. All countries should be proactive in tackling healthcare issues. Governments from all countries should sit together to resolve all issues amicably. Those governments who irrationally store weapons should realise that there wouldn't be a single person to operate the weapons if citizens were infected by a disease like swine flue. .
Charles Alex
Dubai

Most governments are less inclined to focus on health, particularly in developing countries with high populations and low income. However, governments must prioritise. For many, defence is equally important since terrorism is on the rise. If not protected, they may allow for an opportunity for anti-social elements to strike. Governments are responsible for keeping track of health and safety.
Saifee Tarwala
Dubai

Healthcare is extremely important. There's no point increasing defence capabilities when people can die because of fever. Alexander the Great is the perfect example — he had his military defences sorted out, but died probably of malaria. The first priority should be that people are happy. Your defence capabilities may only be tested once in a while, but it cannot help as much as good healthcare.
Sujah Samson-Paul
Dubai