Geneva, SHOC, Sunday, 11:25
This is a work of fiction.
Any resemblance to actual events or to real persons, dead or alive is, naturally, strictly coincidental.
44
Geneva, SHOC
Sunday, 11:25
“Everything seems to be under control,” said Dr Wells as he stood in front of the large screens in the SHOC. Each of the four screens displayed data from a different pharmaceutical production plant.
The SHOC staff was processing data streaming in from the WHO Regional Offices, which reported on the distribution processes in each country in their region.
“They are treating those who are displaying the symptoms with the first batch of anti viral drugs. Everyone who is in contact with those patients, such as hospital staff and their close families, is being vaccinated,” said Dr Van Deymin. “Some people are self-isolating for a week, for their own protection, but things seem to be under control.”
“It looks like it’s sorting itself out. So far, we’ve managed to contain the spread,” said Dr Wells. “We got lucky this time. I am not so sure about the next time.”
“Next time?” asked Carmel, who stood right by Dr Wells. She was offered a position as SHOC assistant-coordinator and felt proud to be part of the team.
“Yes, next time,” said Dr Wells. “I have no doubt that there will be a next time. A pandemic is sure to hit once or twice every century and it will always kill, just like other natural disasters. Viruses, especially influenza viruses, are quick to mutate and quick to spread, even without the dubious help of human hand. The only thing we can do is to prepare for it, be ready when it happens, so we can minimize the damage. And of course, improve our global coordination.”
“The set of priorities we came up with seems to be in line with the needs on the ground,” said Dr Van Deymin. “With the right priorities, there should be enough antiviral drugs and vaccines for everyone who really needs them.”
“That’s only because the virus was caught early, and the formula for the drugs and vaccines was given for free, unpatented,” said Dr Wells. “Can you imagine what a disaster it would have been if we had to wait for one pharmaceutical company, or even two or three, to produce enough drugs for the entire world population? Tens of millions would have perished by now.”
“Most of them in the developing world, no doubt,” said Dr Van Deymin.
“I am sure that the pharmaceutical companies will exercise social responsibility in an emergency situation,” said Peter Westfall. He had flown in from Washington the previous evening. “This time, they got the formulas and samples from the CDC. But in case of a future pandemic, they could still afford to produce and sell drugs at cost in an emergency. The Donor Countries, I was told, are now talking of setting up a fund for the developing countries. The fund will be used to buy drugs, at cost, from the pharmaceutical companies. It will provide them free of charge to countries in the developing world, in case of emergency.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it,” said Dr Wells.
Dr Bahabi walked into the SHOC, headed straight for Peter and shook his hand.
“I heard you got back, Peter. I felt bad about leaving you behind,” he said.
“You had no choice, Khalil,” said Peter, shaking Khalil’s hand vigorously. “As you can see, I’m fine.”
“And Lara? Is she okay?”
“She is fine. She’s in Atlanta.”
“Really? Why?”
“The CDC are analysing the strains of virus they’ve recovered from different locations in the Middle East, and are performing some interesting tests and experiments. Lara was invited to participate and was keen to stay. She got the authorization to work with the CDC virologists for a couple of weeks,” said Peter.
“The Americans have much more information than we do about the virus,” said Dr Wells, bitterly. “What an interesting coincidence.”
“The Director General said he would explain it all at the one o’clock meeting,” said Dr Van Deymin. “Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt until then.”
“I’ll see you all at one o’clock,” said Peter, as he turned to leave the room. “I have a lot of things to catch up on.”
He walked out of the SHOC, not wanting to reveal more than he had to, and trying to avoid having to lie to his colleagues.
“Okay, back to work,” said Dr Wells. “Carmel, could you please gather all the information that comes in, about antiviral and vaccine distribution? I’ll want to see it as soon as possible.”
“Sure, Dr Wells,” said Carmel with a big smile. Her perfect, dark complexion glowed and her eyes shone with newfound enthusiasm.
Missed the previous chapter? Here is the link:
Link to the beginning of the series, here below:
