Is it rational to be selfish?

 

We in the west continuously tout how generous we have been to the rest of the world. But our generosity has shown limits.

Africa, which is the furthest behind in its vaccine rollout having only fully vaccinated 3.6% of its 1.3 billion population, is set to be largely affected by the reduction in vaccine deliveries.

Vaccine equity is vital to end COVID-19 pandemic. As Global Citizen said,

If everyone everywhere does not have access to a vaccine, the pandemic can only continue and millions of lives will remain at stake.” And those lives won’t only be in Africa. Vaccine equity is key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. If everyone everywhere does not have access to a vaccine, the pandemic can only continue and millions of lives will remain at stake.

 

Selfishness is dangerous when it comes to pandemics because by now we know that the longer the pandemic remains unchecked the longer the virus can mutate and the greater the chances that by natural selection the most dangerous virus will thrive. Again, when that happens the virus won’t just stay with the unvaccinated.

As the Guardian said in an editorial: “New variants—wherever they arise—are a threat to lives worldwide.” That is why delays in getting the vaccines to the developing world is such a dangerous thing and why selfishness is foolish. Forget about morality it is just not wise to favour ourselves too sharply. As the Guardian said, “Protecting others is the right thing to do. It is also the best way to protect ourselves.”

 

 

 

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