Millions could die from H1N1 if Western governments don’t pony up

Health Ministers around the globe have been notified by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the swine flue pandemic could result in the death of millions as it spreads anarchy and economic destruction in the developing nations of the world. Should the pandemic take hold as anticipated, it will be up to the wealthy nations to provide the $1.5 to $2 billion needed to pay for vaccines and antiviral drugs.

Despite the wealth of the western nations, insiders at the WHO are worried they may only be able to raise half the amount of money required as a result of the global economic downturn.

According to Gregory Harlt of the WHO,

There needs to be recognition that the whole world is affected by this pandemic and the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We have seen how H1N1 has taken hold in richer nations and in the southern hemisphere. We have been given fair warning and must act soon.
Via The Guardian

U.N. officials report that there is a window in which it will be possible to help poor countries get as ready as they can for H1N1- and that window is closing rapidly.

The United States and Great Britian have already pledged to give the equivalent of a 10% share of their own H1N1 vaccine supply to help fight the global spread. But many experts believe this will not be enough.

As Americans focus on our own struggle to reform the health care system in order to deal with the rising costs of medical care in our own country, we should not forgot that as we argue over the $900 billion required over the next ten years to reform our system, the $1.5 billion that could save millions of lives and prevent developing nations from sliding back into the stone age is not a particularly large price to pay – in any economy.

If there are any rock stars out there reading, this strikes me as a “We Are The World” moment.

Bono – are you listening?.