Globalisation and Emerging Infectious Diseases (Outline)

Topic: Globalisation and emerging infectious diseases

Research question: How has globalisation facilitated the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) around the world?

Thesis statement: Contemporary globalisation has resulted in greater human mobility, contributing to the spread of SARS around the world.

Introduction:

In his video, Goldin (2009) mentions that globalisation has caused the world to become more complex and functionally integrated, which means that local events may have global consequences. Globalisation has facilitated the spread the emerging infectious diseases around the world. Using the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic as a case study, this essay seeks to discuss that contemporary globalisation has resulted in greater human mobility which contributes to the spread of the disease to 37 countries within weeks. This essay will also evaluate the measures taken to tackle this global health threat.

Human mobility:

Problem: As a result of globalisation and technological advancements, more people are becoming more mobile with the ability to travel more frequently as well as visit areas that used to be remote and inaccessible.

- Efficient transportation system

- Travel involves multiple shared spaces

- Networks of global travel become conduits for pathogen transmissions

Example of SARS in 2003 - How it spread from China to other parts of the world in a short period of time.

Solution 1: World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an international health warning against SARS and travel advisories to affected regions.

Effectiveness: Making sure that countries and people cooperate with guidelines is tough. "How can a country be expected to report a disease that will scare away trade and tourists?"

Solution 2:

WHO recommended screening of air passengers departing from certain affected areas.

Conclusion: