Globalization — linking the world through a network of global web has benefits and problems. The spread of diseases has never been this easy. With the outbreak of new disease like SARS, and the threat of AIDS and Dengue, world travel and trade will certainly catalyze the spread of these diseases. Different countries have different climates and culture. Some regions have harshenvironments for some traders and travelers and these are the primary factors why diseases evolve. Before SARS was detected it was already spreading all over the world.
Countries likeCanada, South Africa, Brazil, Spain and the United States were able to contain the outbreak because they have good medical institutions. On the other hand China, where SARS originated from had the most infected and death cases because its medical institutions were not as advanced. Studying and understanding the disease is still the best way to obliterate it but even before we eradicate old threats a new one is already making its presence felt. There is still no cure for AIDS and Dengue still kills millions all over the world. As the world becomes more
interconnected, the worldwide effect of a communicable disease is expected to increase. But globalization is not really the cause. Increasing worldwide population is really the culprit. More people need more houses and more food. We continue to encroach into wildlife habitat and the proximity of these different environs will continue to breed new forms of diseases. Some infections cannot be treated by antibiotics and in some cases infections evolve to consume antibiotics as sustenance. Population explosion is a main reason for the rise of diseases. Living
conditions in over crowded urban areas are ideal for the resurgence and development of new diseases. Globalization will surely make things easier to exist in this day and age as it will make commodities prices cheaper and available but it can also bite back as diseases can take the same global network and also be readily available to anyone.
References Lee, J-W. (2003)The Case of SARS. The Brookings Institution. Zwerdling, D. (2008) Globalization and Changes in Patterns of Disease Infection. American Radio Works. Sample, I. (2008) Major disease outbreaks around the world becoming more common. The Guardian Weekly Podcast.