11-06-2005, 04:32 AM
I think the bird flu idea is a good one - but in a general sense, not aimed specifically at bird flu. And for those of you who say "Rant Alert" - may I remind you that some of us actually live in areas of the world where some of our nearest neighbours have people dying of this disease and given the general level of health services in these countries it is more likely that human to human transmission will develop.
With the rate that people travel from country to country these days, an epidemic could be much worse. In Australia where I live we have 9 international airports - a third of these are in my home state where inbound flights are primarily from south-east and east asia where this disease is a major concern. Although I do not agree with the panic that is gripping the world over this issue it is worrying to those of us who live near it.
*** INSERT BY SOBER THOUGHT: You're telling me! I live in Toronto, the SARS capital of North America, where the shortsighted provincial government had just finished laying off all their virologists in a cost cutting measure and the cashstrapped city government was cutting back on their public health nurses. ***
Maybe a resolution aimed Epidemics in general with preventative provisions as well as provisions for how we can coordinate efforts internationally if one does break out. Not every disease we think we've wiped out is gone, some have been making a reappearance in some "First world" countries amoungst the poor. I like the idea of certain drug patents being suspended during an epidemic so poorer countries will be able to produce their own generic drug rather than relying on the wealthier nations.
The formation of an international body to oversee the coordination of these things would be a great idea. It needs to function without interference from national governments. On this side of the world a few years ago we had huge dramas because the Chinese government was hiding all of its facts and figures about SARS, fortunately they came clean on the issue and an epidemic was prevented. An international body to collect data about diseases and to coordinate prevention and/or treatment of epidemics is a great idea.
Dont think just because you live in the US or Western Europe that these things are a load of bullshit and wont effect you. Some of us actually live near poor countries and have seen what happens even when something as simple as the common cold gets out of control in these countries. In Australia, we help out our neighbours as much as we can because we are fairly well off but every country needs to realise this is a problem. It is possible that such a resolution may also raise awareness of such issues in real life.
Sorry for raving on and I applaud Antrium for their fantastic ideas to make this virtual world a great place in which to live. :wave:
PS Ban Chemical weapons is good too!!!! :worship:
With the rate that people travel from country to country these days, an epidemic could be much worse. In Australia where I live we have 9 international airports - a third of these are in my home state where inbound flights are primarily from south-east and east asia where this disease is a major concern. Although I do not agree with the panic that is gripping the world over this issue it is worrying to those of us who live near it.
*** INSERT BY SOBER THOUGHT: You're telling me! I live in Toronto, the SARS capital of North America, where the shortsighted provincial government had just finished laying off all their virologists in a cost cutting measure and the cashstrapped city government was cutting back on their public health nurses. ***
Maybe a resolution aimed Epidemics in general with preventative provisions as well as provisions for how we can coordinate efforts internationally if one does break out. Not every disease we think we've wiped out is gone, some have been making a reappearance in some "First world" countries amoungst the poor. I like the idea of certain drug patents being suspended during an epidemic so poorer countries will be able to produce their own generic drug rather than relying on the wealthier nations.
The formation of an international body to oversee the coordination of these things would be a great idea. It needs to function without interference from national governments. On this side of the world a few years ago we had huge dramas because the Chinese government was hiding all of its facts and figures about SARS, fortunately they came clean on the issue and an epidemic was prevented. An international body to collect data about diseases and to coordinate prevention and/or treatment of epidemics is a great idea.
Dont think just because you live in the US or Western Europe that these things are a load of bullshit and wont effect you. Some of us actually live near poor countries and have seen what happens even when something as simple as the common cold gets out of control in these countries. In Australia, we help out our neighbours as much as we can because we are fairly well off but every country needs to realise this is a problem. It is possible that such a resolution may also raise awareness of such issues in real life.
Sorry for raving on and I applaud Antrium for their fantastic ideas to make this virtual world a great place in which to live. :wave:
PS Ban Chemical weapons is good too!!!! :worship: