The Article below was published in Vol. 135, Issue 6 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on March 6, 2020.
By Maryam Javed ‘21
Opinions Editor
Vaccines have been successful in eradicating lethal pathogens that have plagued humanity in the past. If the world wants to stop the spread of coronavirus, a vaccine must be issued immediately to prevent deadly outbreaks of the virus and future deaths. The Spanish flu epidemic infected more than a quarter of the world’s population, resulting in millions of casualties. Can Coronavirus also affect the world in this magnitude?
Coronavirus, originating from Wuhan, China is spreading at an extremely rapid and alarming rate, affecting a wide range of countries, including Iran, Italy, Algeria, in addition to a few cases in the United States. This virus has shown how ruthless it is and that it has the ability to spread in various parts of the globe. It is certainly a great fear that the virus can erupt into a global pandemic.
Obviously, the virus can seem to many like a global threat. Many world leaders are not taking the cases of the virus seriously enough. Though many leaders have issued travel warnings and restrictions to areas impacted by the virus, I believe that the world is not ready for a pandemic of something like coronavirus to occur. Countries need to invest more in preventing outbreaks like these from occurring. They must work with scientists to create affordable vaccines to protect people from the virus.
If a vaccine were created to combat the virus, oftentimes, it is more readily available to the rich. Governments and scientists need to work together to ensure these vaccines are affordable for everyone. It is not fair if only a select few will have access to a vaccine, which is why it must be universal.
Scientists across the globe are currently working on developing a vaccine to combat coronavirus. It is not known how much longer it will take, but scientists and doctors are advising people to remain calm. They advise individuals to be cautious and practice good hygiene practices like washing their hands to prevent the spread of coronavirus, or any illness. If one is feeling sick, they should remain from home or work.
People should have hope that the coronavirus can be stopped from becoming a global epidemic. However, it is a worry that if a vaccine were to be created, it would not be allocated fairly. Nevertheless, people need to remain calm and have faith in doctors and scientists.
