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Source:
www.mica.gov.sg |
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THE INVISIBLE ENEMY:
SINGAPORE'S ENCOUNTERS WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASES - PAST, PRESENT &
FUTURE |
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An Exhibition at the National
Library |
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An exhibition on Infectious Diseases will be
launched by Minister for Health Mr Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday 24 May
2007. |
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Hosted at the Central Lending Library in
Basement 1 of the National Library at 100 Victoria Street, the
exhibition will be open to the public from noon of Thursday 24 May until
Sunday 8 July from 10am to 9pm daily. |
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The exhibition will explore: |
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The historical significance
of epidemics and outbreaks in Singapore
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Singapore＊s existing
safeguards and state of readiness for coping with the spread of
infectious diseases
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Possible future threats to
Singapore from infectious diseases
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This exhibition is presented by the Ministry
of Information, Communications & the Arts (MICA) and its partners 每
National Archives of Singapore (NAS), Health Promotion Board (HPB), Agri-Food
& Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), Defence Science & Technology
Agency (DSTA), S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and
National Library Board (NLB). |
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The exhibition was made possible with
support from National Security Co-ordinating Centre (Prime Minister＊s
Office), MOH, MHA & MICA. |
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The Invisible Enemy |
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Throughout history, infectious
diseases have exacted a heavy toll on humankind. From epidemics
such as the Black Death (plague) and the Spanish Flu to polio and
dengue fever outbreaks in Singapore, infectious diseases have
claimed millions of lives. |
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Despite major advances made in
medicine, science and technology in the past few decades which
have improved our ability to fight diseases, the threat of
infectious diseases remains ever-present. |
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In today＊s global society, trade,
travel, war, climate changes and urbanisation all affect the
spread of infectious diseases. Singaporeans learnt this during the
SARS crisis of 2003. |
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The exhibition is divided into several
sections that explore different aspects of infectious diseases and
how they impact Singapore. |
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Through text panels, photographs,
artefacts, interactive displays, video clips, documents and news
reports, visitors to the exhibition will be able to learn how and
what they can all do to fight and prevent diseases, individually
and as a nation. |
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Section 1 每 Historical Overview |
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This section by NAS explores
Singapore＊s past encounters with infectious diseases and
epidemics, from the time of the Straits Settlements through the
Japanese Occupation to the 1970s. There are useful insights into
how Singapore dealt with disease outbreaks, and some of the
innovative and groundbreaking approaches used to meet these
challenges. |
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Section 2 每 Emerging Diseases |
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This segment dwells on the more common
threats Singaporeans face today. Here, HPB explains how a healthy
lifestyle and basic preparedness can help minimise the threat of
common infectious diseases. |
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A ※Kitchen§ helps the visitor learn some
simple measures to keep his family and himself safe. There is an
interesting interactive quiz on taking adequate health precautions.
At the same time, there is fascinating information that many
diseases originate from animals such the deadly H5N1 Avian Influenza
(bird flu). |
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There is also 3-D model of an influenza
virus on display. A visitor to the exhibition can also learn what
the AVA is doing to keep Singapore free from bird flu and understand
how poultry are culled in the event of a H5N1 outbreak. Rounding off
this part of the exhibition is an interesting video clip of
Singapore＊s recent bird flu exercise. |
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Section 3 每 Bio-terrorism |
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Here, RSIS and DSTA will take the
visitor on a journey of discovery. He will learn that biological
weapons are not a recent development, having been used in some form
or other to wage war and promote terror since the dawn of history. |
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In addition, he will discover the
potential threats from bioterrorism and the dangers of biological
agents. He will also see a life-size model of a Bio Safety Level 3
facility used to safely work with potentially dangerous disease
agents. |
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Besides the exhibits, the NLB will offer
a wide selection of books and a handy booklet with reviews of major
works on infectious diseases for visitors who want to learn more. |
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Visitors at the exhibition can pick up
brochures - in four languages - introducing and explaining the
exhibition. Primary School, Secondary School and JC students can
take part in a quiz with attractive prices to be won. |
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We hope the exhibition will contribute
to enhancing the public＊s understanding of the threat posed by
infectious diseases 每 what Singapore is doing to minimize the
threats from such diseases and what individuals can do to keep
themselves and their loved ones safe. |
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Source:
www.mica.gov.sg Media Release
21 May 2007 |
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FrontPage Edition: Sun 20 May 2007
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