COVID AND THE CRIPPLED HEALTH-CARE SYSTEM

Several years ago, before the pandemic, I travelled to Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania, and something I was told has never quite left my mind: be more careful not to get hurt here because the hospitals are not as good as in Canada. It is terrible that people in low-income countries all around the world have to face health issues because of inadequate facilities, but COVID-19 is not only harmful to health but to the economy, creating a cruel cycle.

Beyond the deficiency in intensive care for COVID-19 patients, vaccine rollout in low-income countries is the opposite of ideal, giving the idea that the end of COVID-19 is far from sight. The distribution of vaccines around the world may be criticized, but in several countries in Africa less than two per cent of the population has received a first dose, a dramatic gap between our high-income countries.

As Canada begins to give out second doses, we need to start thinking about how we are going to achieve worldwide vaccination. To open borders, travel freely and trade safely this is beyond necessary.

It is not only important for Canada to make vaccines available to everyone, but also to make sure that countries have the facilities and organization to distribute these vaccines.

If Canada contributed $250 million to build health systems and infrastructure in low-income countries, we would not only put a faster end on COVID-19 but stem future health issues and indefinitely save lives. Sajjad Jessa

Toronto, Ont.