The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will hold
a panel discussion titled ‘New coronavirus and old challenges: how can we
reduce economic effects of epidemics?’
The discussion invites leaders of Russian and international
health care organizations, scientific community, and global business. The session
will be moderated by Anna Popova, Head of the Russian Federal Service for
Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing and Chief State
Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation.
«Massive epidemics
that happen on a global scale do not just bring social effects. The new coronavirus
is estimated to cause economic losses worth over a hundred million dollars.
That is precisely why the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum becomes an
important platform for discussing the medical and social aspects of fighting epidemics,
as well as risk management and the role of governments and businesses in
eliminating disease. Participants including representatives of the international
community could use discussions to come up with a common approach all countries
could introduce to override effects of epidemics and stabilize the global
economic situation,» noted Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the
Russian Federation, Executive Secretary
of the SPIEF Organizing Committee.
The participants will discuss curtailing epidemics,
their negative effect on the economy and the social sphere, the cost of risk
management, the role the state, business, the scientific community, and the
public play in battling infections. Also, they will talk about contemporary
approaches to preventing and controlling dangerous epidemics.
«Biosecurity
requires systematic approach. Uncontrolled biological research can affect a wide
range of areas. Biotech has reached such a level that many projects could be
seen as double-duty ones. These include ultra-profitable economic initiatives
that have to do with genetically modified microorganisms, mass production and
retail of genetically modified foods and agriculture commodities. In the modern
world, the efficient international system that aims to prevent and contain
biosecurity threats must meet very rigid criteria. It has to be universal and
multifaceted at the same time, countries must trust it, and it has to have
clear mandate and power. Prevention and control measures in the biohazard field
must be perfected,» said Anna Popova, Head of the Russian Federal Service for
Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing and Chief State
Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation.
