-----  Virus knows no boundaries

 

The world is witnessing the largest global catastrophe since WW2 due to the coronavirus pandemic. In April 2020, 94% of the world’s student population were affected by school closures with 99% in low- and middle-income countries. An increase in school and college dropouts is anticipated this year and the next, leading to serious social issues. The pandemic threatens decades of progress and may result in wastage of untold human potential.

In Canada, the start of 2020 school year has been rocky since students are still struggling and coping with distance learning and online education. 

A global approach is crucial to end Covid-19, which is why Canada has committed $220 million to the Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) facility to procure up to 15 million vaccine doses for Canadians along with $220 million to purchase doses for low- and middle- income countries and $400 million for global humanitarian aid. If we truly want to end this pandemic, this energy and dedication needs to keep going and Canada should contribute at least 1% of its Covid-19 funds towards global response. We must all work towards flattening the curve, while clinical trials for drugs and medical devices are carried on.

Zohra Khatoon, 

Ottawa