COLLECTIVE GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY
So the real defence starts overseas, in countries where the virus is endemic.
Early detection and containment of Nipah virus outbreaks requires resource-intensive surveillance systems. So more financial, technical and other support could be provided to countries that bear this upstream burden to prevent cross-border spread.
Countries that detect and transparently report outbreaks under the WHO International Health Regulations should be supported and not just penalised, especially when blunt border measures may not reduce the risk of virus importation.
Singapore is well prepared given our strong surveillance system, robust infection control practices in healthcare facilities, and the recent establishment of the Communicable Diseases Agency and One Health Masterplan.
It can also continue to contribute most meaningfully by building international trust through timely information sharing and offering technical assistance, as well as by participating in research for antiviral treatment and vaccines.
Ultimately, the best way to guard against Nipah virus, or other rare deadly pathogens that capture public imagination such as Ebola virus, is to be part of a collective regional and global health security response.
Professor Hsu Li Yang is Director, Asia Centre for Health Security at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/nipah-virus-risk-symptoms-singapore-public-health-5955126
