Mmegi

Public health diplomacy vital for global security

In war-torn regions of the world, usually healthcare is one of the first to be affected, leading to terrible consequences for affected populations.

Disease outbreaks spread very fast when medical facilities of the country are destroyed, and displaced communities struggle with non-existent access to clean water and sanitation. Without proper healthcare infrastructure, even treatable diseases become a challenge, making public health crises unavoidable.

Conflicts destroys the very foundation of healthcare, tears down hospitals, cutting off supply chains, and crowd out trained medical personnel. Outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, and polio become uncontrolled, affecting not just war-torn nations but also neighbouring countries. Refugee camps are often overcrowded and lacking essential hygiene, becoming breeding grounds for epidemics. Humanitarian organisations like WHO, the Red Cross, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) play an important role in responding to these crises, yet their work is frequently hampered by security threats, political obstructions, and logistical hurdles.

Editor's Comment
A collective responsibility to end FMD spread

As cases continue to threaten herds and rural livelihoods, one simple but critical action can make a powerful difference: strictly adhering to FMD regulations, including refraining from slaughtering cloven-hoofed animals.Cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, are highly susceptible to FMD. Slaughter, especially during outbreaks or restricted periods, significantly increases the risk of spreading the virus through...

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