ALYN Smith’s well-researched and uplifting article (How the world has learned from past virus outbreaks, March 11) highlights the contribution that a Scots scientist, Dr Kate Broderick, is making to the search for a vaccine against coronavirus.

This outbreak has shaken the world’s financial markets at a time when they are having to cope with the effect of trade wars, sanctions, tariffs and the tearing up of existing trade deals.

READ MORE: Twitter reacts to claim coronavirus harms the case for independence

Is it just a coincidence that three of the countries involved in the spread of the virus are China, Iran and Mexico, all of whom are at odds with President Donald Trump and his trade policies?

Perhaps it is the time for the world leaders forget their differences and work together to find a vaccine to combat the coronavirus, otherwise the world and our way of life will change forever – eg no large sporting events, no cruises and freedom of movement and trade severely curtailed.

Thomas L Inglis
Fintry