The coronavirus outbreak is only the latest in a long series of wakeup calls over the past few decades for the global health community. Once again, a high consequence pathogen, likely incubated in nature, infected humans, and overwhelmed health care systems before the medical community could figure out how to contain it. As of the time of this writing, more than 78,000 COVID-19 confirmed cases and nearly 2,500 deaths have been reported.
The coronavirus outbreak—and other contagions that will inevitably follow—can be controlled. But it will take planning, collaboration, and a comprehensive, systemic approach. A truly effective health-emergency response system will require continuous vigilance and improvement in the capacity to rapidly identify and understand novel pathogens; develop diagnostics, vaccines and other countermeasures; and distribute necessary medicines, medical supplies, health professionals, and timely public information.
About the Authors
Priya Chandran is a managing director and senior partner in the New Jersey office of Boston Consulting Group and leader of the Health Care Systems sector. You may contact her by e-mail at chandran.priya@bcg.com.
Vincent Chin is a managing director and senior partner in the Singapore office of Boston Consulting Group and global leader of the Public Sector practice. You may contact him by email at chin.vincent@bcg.com.
Dr Chan Harjivan is a managing director and partner in the firm’s Washington DC office with a focus on health security. You may contact him by email at harjivan.chan@bcg.com.
Martin Reeves is a managing director and senior partner in the firm’s San Francisco office and chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, BCG’s think tank on new approaches to strategy and management. You may contact him by email at reeves.martin@bcg.com.
Yvonne Zhou is a managing director and partner in the firm’s Beijing office. She leads the firm’s Public Sector practice in Greater China and is a leader in its real estate and city development sectors. You may contact her by email at zhou.yvonne@bcg.com.
The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of international conventions; exhibitions; and business, public, sporting, and cultural events. It was established in pursuance of a decision by the President of the Russian Federation.
The Foundation was established in 2007 with the aim of facilitating the development of Russia’s economic potential, promoting its national interests, and strengthening the country’s image. One of the roles of the Foundation is to comprehensively evaluate, analyse, and cover issues on the Russian and global economic agendas. It also offers administrative services, provides promotional support for business projects and attracting investment, and helps foster social entrepreneurship and charitable initiatives.
Each year, the Foundation’s events draw participants from 208 countries and territories, with more than 15,000 media representatives working on-site at Roscongress’ various venues. The Foundation benefits from analytical and professional expertise provided by 5000 people working in Russia and abroad. In addition, it works in close cooperation with 159 economic partners; industrialists’ and entrepreneurs’ unions; and financial, trade, and business associations from 75 countries worldwide.
The Roscongress Foundation has Telegram channels in Russian (t.me/Roscongress), English (t.me/RoscongressDirect), and Spanish (t.me/RoscongressEsp). Official website and Information and Analytical System of the Roscongress Foundation: roscongress.org.