In her first interview since the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Dr Margaret Chan looks at the implications as the number of infections and deaths climb. For over a decade, Dr Chan was Director-General of the World Health Organization, managing outbreaks from Zika, to polio, and the Ebola epidemic in West Africa that claimed 11,323 lives. All of these were declared a public health emergency of international concern - as has the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) by her successor, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
I first met Dr Chan during SARS when she was Director of Health in Hong Kong, and later served her and now Dr Tedros as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador. In this podcast, I wanted to draw out her deep experience in handling infectious diseases, to understand what this global health emergency means, and - in a world at acute risk for disease epidemics and pandemics - what governments and individuals can do to prepare now.
Interview with James Chau. You can watch video highlights from this video by following @thechinacurrent on social media or www.chinacurrent.com
SEE MORE EPISODES
Feb 08 , 2020 | COVID-19Millions have been watching the live feeds of China turning empty city lots into fully-functional emergency hospitals in just 10 days. These hospitals are equipped with thousands of patient beds and medical technology – and staffed by military doctors with first-hand experience battling Ebola in West Africa. These modern, makeshift facilities are being built at a time when local hospitals are overwhelmed and local gymnasiums are being repurposed to provide extra beds. Step by step, China seems to be catching up with the wide-spreading virus. Follow us for the latest stories in our special coverage on the novel outbreak.
Feb 06 , 2020 | COVID-19In China, cities are being sealed off, employees are being asked to work from home, and face masks are in very short supply as the novel coronavirus hits 20,000 cases. After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency, the world has been on high alert — focusing funding and resources to combat the spread of the virus. WHO Goodwill Ambassador, and host of The China Current, James Chau was interviewed on what this health emergency means for the public — offering a reminder to set aside panic and keep informed. It is a time for solidarity and science, not rumor and stigma, urges James. Follow us for the latest stories on the novel outbreak.
Jan 23 , 2020 |Similar to American Independence Day, Chinese New Year is traditionally lit up with loud and colorful fireworks — but this has changed since China’s recent ban on fireworks. While many know China for its invention of gunpowder and fireworks, it's now making a concerted effort to leave them in the past, leading the world in the fight towards sustainability. With the growing awareness of the dangers of fireworks and their harmful chemical emissions, China has set aside its tradition to lead the world towards more environmentally-friendly — and more spectacularly elaborate — light displays, such as lasers and drone shows. With more and more communities around the world following suit, this year, instead of loud and bright ‘pops’ in the sky, you very well may hear drones buzzing and see lasers flashing!