Op-Ed: Fool Me Once, Shame on You. Fool Me Twice? Not This Time, China
When it comes to global health crises, there’s an adage that goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If COVID-19 was the world’s two-ton wake-up call, the recent surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China feels eerily like déjà vu. Except this time, the world isn’t inclined to play the naive roommate to China’s secretive antics.
The HMPV Elephant in the Room
HMPV, while not as famous as COVID-19, is no lightweight contender. It’s capable of wreaking havoc on respiratory systems, especially among children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity. China, once again, finds itself as the epicenter of concern, with hospitals reportedly overflowing and rumors of fatalities swirling like Beijing smog.
But official data? Sparse. Verifiable details? Practically a mirage. The Chinese authorities seem to have taken their cue from George Orwell’s 1984, where the truth is whatever the Party says it is—and right now, they’d prefer the truth to be unremarkable.
The World Can’t Afford Another “Oops”
During COVID-19, we saw China delay the release of critical information, obfuscate the virus’s origins, and downplay its severity, all while the virus hitchhiked across the globe. The result? A catastrophic pandemic that took millions of lives and trillions of dollars. Fool me once, China.
This time, the stakes are higher. The global economy is still limping back to recovery. Trust in international institutions like the WHO is fragile. And frankly, most people are just tired of living through “unprecedented times.”
Lessons from COVID-19: Let’s Not Trust Blindly
The WHO, bless its diplomatic soul, cannot afford another round of toothless optimism when dealing with China. If Beijing says, “It’s under control,” history tells us to double-check the locks and run a security scan. After all, wasn’t it also “under control” when Wuhan was mysteriously locking down in early 2020?
This time, the world must act proactively:
1. Traveler Screening: Any traveler arriving from China should be screened for HMPV or related respiratory symptoms. Yes, it’s inconvenient, but so is another global lockdown.
2. Independent Monitoring: Global health experts need unfiltered access to data. No more cherry-picked reports from the Chinese CDC.
3. Preparedness Over Panic: Stock up on essential medical supplies, ramp up research into HMPV vaccines, and strengthen health infrastructure worldwide.
India’s Role: Time to Be Atmanirbhar and Alert
For India, this is not just a health issue but a geopolitical litmus test. Here’s the playbook:
1. For the Government:
Implement strict health screenings for travelers from China. Learn from 2020, not the hard way this time.
Enhance public health awareness campaigns. Let’s not have another flood of WhatsApp forwards recommending turmeric for respiratory viruses.
Boost research funding for vaccines and antiviral treatments, and if need be, lead the charge on HMPV the way we did with generic medicines for HIV.
2. For Indians:
Avoid unnecessary travel to China or HMPV-hit regions. Let’s not invite trouble for Instagram-worthy dumpling photos.
Mask up in crowded places. Yes, it’s annoying, but so is coughing uncontrollably in a room full of strangers.
Trust science, not pseudoscience. “Banging Utensils” won’t save you from HMPV.
3. For Businesses:
This is the moment for Indian pharmaceutical companies to step up. The world is looking for solutions, and we have the capacity to deliver.
Diversify supply chains. If another pandemic hits, relying on Chinese manufacturing could be like asking a shark for swimming lessons.
No More Scripted Dramas
Let’s face it: the world doesn’t have the appetite for another global health disaster. And while China might prefer to “save face,” the rest of us are trying to save lives. As the saying goes, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… well, you won’t, because this time, we’re watching.”
HMPV might not have the global headline-grabbing appeal of COVID-19—yet—but ignoring it would be a grave mistake. The world needs to respond decisively, skeptically, and, above all, collaboratively. For India, it’s a chance to lead responsibly on the global stage.
The best way to deal with China’s opaque approach to public health is simple: trust nothing, verify everything, and always have a Plan B. After all, if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that pandemics don’t wait for permissions—or propaganda.
