By V. Sankara Subramaniam
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (NNN-BERNAMA) — There is an urgent need for the World Health Organization (WHO) to innovate health prevention mechanisms to educate and inform the global community on the spread of deadly and contagious viruses in an effort to prevent future outbreaks, says an economist.
Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said WHO could set up a better virus monitoring system comprising big data of causes of dangerous viruses in all countries besides establishing an international task force to conduct research to find cures for new viruses – with the recent one being the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Parties should also look into agreeing to support travel restrictions to contain the spread of the viruses, he said, adding that this will slow the global spread of the virus and curb international socio-economic damage and recession.
Ramon, who was Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank in Washington from 1970 to 1972, nevertheless added that global economy will be hurt by this episode, when asked on the impact the ongoing virus spread will have on world economy.
“There is no doubt that China and the world economy will be adversely affected by the coronavirus. The present world economic slowdown forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank could, therefore, be aggravated by this virus,” said Ramon.
He also commended the government of China for suspending overseas group travel for its citizens, saying this will help contain the spread of the virus.
— NNN-BERNAMA
