Robert Rubin: Borders Won’t Protect Your Country From Coronavirus

Crematorium employees removing a victim of the coronavirus in Mexico City.Credit...Edgard Garrido/Reuters

By Robert E. Rubin and David Miliband

In a compelling analysis of global pandemic response, Robert Rubin, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, argues that wealthy nations have both a moral obligation and practical imperative to assist developing countries in their fight against COVID-19. Together with David Miliband, Bob emphasizes that the interconnected nature of our modern world means no country can truly isolate itself from the virus's impact, whether through border controls or other measures.

The piece presents a stark warning about the cascading effects of neglecting developing nations during this crisis. Bob and his co-author detail how the pandemic's spread through lower- and middle-income countries threatens not only millions of lives but also global economic stability, supply chains, and political security. They outline specific solutions, including support for basic health infrastructure, equitable access to therapeutics and vaccines, and substantial debt relief for heavily indebted developing countries. Drawing from successful historical examples like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, they present a roadmap for effective international cooperation in addressing this unprecedented challenge.

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