Flu-like epidemic could kill 80 mn globally, wipe out 5% global GDP: Report

In such an epidemic, India will lose 2 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP)--that is, Rs 3.8 trillion

With increased mobility, unprepared health facilities and the possibility of weaponising disease, a viral respiratory disease can travel through the world quickly, turning into an outbreak capable of killing up to 80 million people and wiping out 5 per cent of the world’s economy, a new report has warned.

In such an epidemic, India will lose 2 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP)--that is, Rs 3.8 lakh crore ($53.5 billion) or roughly twice the Centre’s agriculture budget in 2019-20.

This is unless world leaders increase funding for disease control and coordinate their efforts to develop strategies to contain