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What is a pandemic?
A pandemic occurs when an infectious disease spreads across multiple countries or continents, affecting large populations worldwide. It typically begins as a localised outbreak – characterised by an unexpected increase of cases within a specific area – and may rapidly expand to affect entire regions.
Why is Singapore vulnerable to pandemics?
Singapore is a global trade and travel hub, making it susceptible to the rapid importation of infectious diseases from around the world. The city-state’s location in Southeast Asia, with its rich biodiversity and frequent human-wildlife-livestock interactions, makes it an epicentre for emerging infectious diseases including transmission from animal to humans. Climate change intensifies this threat by altering disease patterns and expanding the range of disease vectors like mosquitoes. Once introduced, the spread of the infectious diseases can happen quickly in our highly urbanised environment where people live and work in close proximity.
Why is pandemic preparedness important?
Past pandemics, such as COVID-19, have starkly demonstrated how widespread infectious diseases can rapidly disrupt every aspect of life —causing suffering and death, overwhelming healthcare systems, disrupting supply chains, businesses, and education and affecting mental wellbeing. In an interconnected city-state like Singapore, these effects are particularly acute due to our reliance on global trade and travel.
Pandemic preparedness is an ongoing effort and remains a crucial public health priority. Anchored on two overall outcomes – saving lives and protecting livelihoods, these efforts help Singapore maintain critical functions and recover quickly from pandemics while minimising economic and social disruption.
What is your role in Singapore’s pandemic preparedness?
By being individually responsible, we not only protect ourselves against infections, but we also help build a resilient society who are prepared for future outbreaks and pandemics. Practising good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, and limiting social contact when you are unwell helps to reduce disease transmission. Keeping up with nationally recommended vaccinations strengthens your immunity and contributes to community protection. Staying informed through reliable sources of information enables you to make informed decisions, including when to seek medical attention to prevent unnecessary strain on the healthcare system. Additionally, ensuring that information you share is accurate helps prevent panic and the spread of false claims.