Coronavirus outbreak was first identified in Wuhan State of China and as it has turned into a global pandemic, the outbreak has become an immense challenge for countries. The virus has attracted significant attention after it caused numerous deaths in Italy. The South Asian Association for regional cooperation (SAARC), therefore, held a video conference on 15th March, 2020. The conference, which included Afghanistan and other SAARC members, was conducted to formulate a joint strategy to protect citizens of the region from Covid-19 and ideas were shared to establish coordinated efforts to tackle the outbreak. Here, we analyze efforts made by the international community to fight coronavirus, likelihood of international aids to be offered to developing countries like Afghanistan, and the possibility of implementation of recommended strategies by SAARC countries to fight Covid-19.
Latest updates about Coronavirus outbreak
Covid-19 killed more than 3000 people after the first outbreak of the virus and caused substantial economic losses to China and all those countries which are in business with China. The virus decimated Italy in Europe and Iran in Asia. According to the latest reports, the virus has killed more than 4000 people and affect over 49,000 in Italy. Besides economic problems and pressures by the US, Coronavirus is another great challenge for Iran, which has killed more than 1000 people and affected thousands. As Covid-19 is rapidly spreading in numerous countries, insensitivity of the international community regarding Coronavirus in Iran can vastly affect neighboring countries.
Accomplishments of the International community about Coronavirus
After some comprehensive efforts and determination, China was able prevent Coronavirus from spreading in the country. Based on latest updates, number of daily infections has been decreasing significantly, which indicates China’s success against coronavirus.
On the other hand, Japan was able to produce a replica of the virus. According to their doctors, the achievement can help to control and prevent coronavirus. Whereas American experts strives to produce a vaccine to fight Covid-19.
In addition, many countries have banned all types of travels to prevent coronavirus from spreading. Lately, Pakistan closed its borders with Afghanistan and other countries as a precaution. Russia has banned all types of travels to the country. Likewise, Europeans and Arab countries have also banned travels.
To combat Coronavirus, Jack Ma, Co-founder of Alibaba online commerce company has instigated his humanitarian aids and has donated generously to countries which are suffering from the virus. Recently, his foundation donated masks and kits to Afghanistan and some other Asian countries. His efforts should motivate Afghan businessmen to assist the Afghan nation during the current crisis and expand their humanitarian efforts. The rich class needs to assist the lower class during difficulties and sufferings.
China donated masks and medical equipment to Italy and other countries and assured that the country will share its experience and achievements with other countries. In addition, Russia has also announced aids to fight Coronavirus in Italy. Such efforts can be effective to prevent coronavirus transmission.
SAARC Conference on Coronavirus
South Asia Association of Regional coordination (SAARC) announced its coordinated efforts and joint strategy to curb the spread of Covid-19 during its latest conference. Narindra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan and other regional leaders were among the participants of the video conference. During his speech in the conference, Ashraf Ghani stated that unplanned drive out of Afghan immigrants from Iran has become a great challenge for Afghanistan and will definitely trigger virus spread in the country. He also welcomed travel prohibitions, as it is a compulsion of the circumstances. However, necessary supplies and medicine must not be hindered.
SAARC Countries comprise around 21% of the world population. Apparently, their stance against Covid-19 and the recent video conference, where leaders of SAARC Nations shared their views and recommendation, was an important step against corona spread. Among SAARC Countries, India is technologically more advanced and its research and scientific achievements can assist countries to fight coronavirus. SAARC countries are required to not only share their experiences and discoveries, but need to pursue Prime Minister Modi’s recommendation of provision of emergency fund. India announced 10 Million USD and Afghanistan and Maldives contributed 1.2 Million USD to the emergency fund. However, the fund is little, considering the covid-19 crisis. In Europe, only England has allocated 40 Billion and the US has allocated 50 Billion to combat coronavirus.
In addition to funds allocation, SAARC Nations must pressure Iran to stop Afghan immigrants’ displacement. It has been reported that Afghan refugees are intentionally kept away from medical assistance services. International organizations for immigrants need to make efforts in order for a humane behavior to occur against refugees in Iran, and unplanned drive out can be prevented. This is because coronavirus has widely spread in Iran and refugees drive out can severely affect Afghanistan and surrounding countries.
In order to fight coronavirus, the Afghan government needs to attract the aids of china and other donor countries before coronavirus spread becomes severe. The political leaders are required to avoid any dissensions so that our country can be protected during the global crisis. This is because Afghanistan has been affected by the covid-19, and if precautions are not taken, Afghanistan will be decimated by the virus like Italy.
Countries of the region and the Afghan nation must take coronavirus seriously and solemnly consider the guidance and preventive measures of medical establishments. SAARC countries should also share their experience and discoveries among each other. This is because insensitivity regarding the pandemic can rigorously affect all countries in the region and its deprived people. On the other hand, member countries must vastly expand their humanitarian aids during the crisis. According to WHO, Afghanistan lacks around 3.5 Million USD and does not possess the necessary equipment and supplies to combat Covid-19. With support of SAARC nations, WHO and other humanitarian organization should be motivated to comprehensively assist Afghanistan to avoid austere unfortunate events in the future.
Additionally, the Afghan government and the Taliban must announce a comprehensive ceasefire in order to effectively combat coronavirus, since insecurity can challenge preventive measure taken by medical groups. SAARC should play a vital role to establish ceasefire between the Taliban and the Afghan government.
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References:
1. SAARC Website: http://saarc-sec.org/news/detail_front/pres-release-the-leaders-of-the-member-states-of-the-south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc-held-a-video-conference-on-15-march-2020-to-discuss-measures-to-contain-the-spread-of-covid-19-in-the-region
2. Alizila Website:https://www.alizila.com/jack-ma-foundation-aids-asian-countries-in-fight-against-covid-19/
3. Xinhuanet Website: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/14/c_138877537.htm
4. Aljazeera Website: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/italy-tightens-lockdown-coronavirus-deaths-mount-live-updates-200321233509033.html
5. World population review website: https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/saarc-countries/
6. Deccanherald website: https://www.deccanherald.com/international/afghanistan-maldives-pledge-usd-12-million-to-saarc-covid-19-emergency-fund-816095.html
7. Middle East Eye Website: https://www.middleeasteye.net/coronavirus-iran-hospitals-refusing-treat-afghans
8. The New Humanitarian website: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2020/02/26/Afghanistan-coronavirus-Covid-19-Iran-outbreak-conflict-epidemic