Part 10/14:
The Broader Context: Treatments, Global Cooperation, and Future Strategies
While vaccines are central to controlling COVID-19, therapeutic options like remdesivir—originally developed for Ebola—have been repurposed for severe cases. Singapore's swift approval and deployment of remdesivir exemplify how ongoing research complements vaccination efforts to reduce morbidity.
Global cooperation is vital. Vaccine nationalism—where countries prioritize their own populations—threatens worldwide herd immunity. Experts argue that equitable distribution and collaboration are essential to control this pandemic, which respects no borders. Initiatives like COVAX aim to share vaccines with vulnerable populations worldwide, emphasizing that no nation is safe until everyone is protected.