We are only beginning to understand lessons of COVID-19
COVID-19, described in many circles as the pandemic of the century, has already shaken the core of the world order. Millions of people have been infected, with many thousands of fatalities. The number is rising daily. The curtailment of individual freedom resulting from preventive measures against this highly contagious disease has not been seen in recent history. Many families have lost their loved ones to this devastating illness and the nation joins them in their irreplaceable and sorrowful loss.
There are quite a few lessons that are being taught by this devastating pandemic. The challenges faced due to this crisis showed the strength and resilience of the American people in the face of adversity. People, in general, have sacrificed their social lives and losing jobs, children are missing the routine of school and businesses are suffering. In spite of these challenges, by and large, the citizens of this country have endured this hardship with valor and have complied with the safety measure necessitated to stop further spread of the virus.
Our health care workers, from physicians and nursing staff, support medical personnel and all others, have risked their lives in the call of duty during this turmoil. First responders and essential workers have also faced danger while providing essential services during this time. American businesses have taken up the challenges in a timely fashion. Scientists and researchers have come with innovative ideas in addressing the needs of the times. The country has much to be proud of in regard to efforts and sacrifices during this challenging time.
However, many lessons come out of adversity. We should consider these as a torchlight that we need to address and focus on for the future. We must acknowledge we were not fully prepared for this calamity that came unexpectedly. We need to have better proactive planning to be ready for natural disasters, including pandemics and natural calamities of high magnitude. Planning to address global crisis should be an exceedingly high priority in the future.
As is evidenced in the present crisis, there are large global interdependencies which must be taken into account. The supply chain is global in nature in our present economic system. Therefore, the need to enhance global cooperation, while at the same time strengthening our internal capabilities, cannot be overstressed.
At the national level, the disproportional impact of COVID-19 on minorities, especially blacks, Latinos and lower socioeconomic groups, has brought to the surface the need to look at the medical system of the country. Many of the victims in this social class had comorbid conditions, that is the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases, due to poor management of their health. This could be the result of number of things, the most important being the inadequate medical care to the economically poor population.
Efforts need to be made to enhance access to health care for all population groups. In this context, the Medicare For All platform needs to be examined to overcome the disproportionate medical care. There is a need to focus on preventive medicine and establish a system to educate the people to prevent diseases that played a key role in morbidity, particularly during a pandemic.
The economy is taking a shock from which it will take some time to recover. Our millennial generation is burdened by high college loans, which have been even become higher due to middleman profits. It is imperative that efforts be made to find programs that will eliminate or decrease the burden of tuition debt on our younger generation.
A fair system of debt reduction needs to take place, considering anticipated economic difficulties in the uncertain economic recovery period stemming from COVID-19 pandemic. Affordable college education, including enhancement of community colleges, should be considered. The spiraling cost of higher education needs to be addressed to make higher education opportunities for all socioeconomic groups.
The minimum wage has not changed for many years. The minimum wage needs to be increased to overcome the economic disparity. The economic model in which the rich become richer and the poor are in a downward slope needs to be addressed.
America and the rest of world are going through a challenging period. Once we have slowed down this pandemic, a careful review of the lessons learned should be undertaken. The scourge of COVID-19 can open many new ideas and initiatives.
A review similar to the post-world war era needs to be undertaken. Only then can we make this adversity into an opportunity for betterment of our society.
• • Vaseem Iftekhar, of Hawthorn Woods, is a retired senior executive in pharmaceutical research and development with specific experience in virology. He is a member of the Daily Herald sounding board advisory body.