We can uphold the solidarity created by COVID-19 even though WHO ended the international emergency

The World Heath Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the global emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The ConversationThe Conversation
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https://theconversation.com/we-can-uphold-the-solidarity-created-by-covid-19-even-though-who-ended-the-international-emergency-205174https://theconversation.com/we-can-uphold-the-solidarity-created-by-covid-19-even-though-who-ended-the-international-emergency-205174
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Thursday, May 11, 2023
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Summary
Key Points: 
  • The World Heath Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the global emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Although COVID-19 remains a danger for many, especially with the possibility of new variants, experts are urging that we move forward to prepare for the next pandemic.
  • But the pandemic also created the circumstances for a type of global, national and local solidarity that has rarely been seen before.

Caremongering

    • A study led by researchers at McMaster University on caremongering Facebook groups found that the majority of posts were to request or offer materials like personal protective equipment, food and clothes or services like picking up groceries and prescriptions.
    • There was also a lot of information-sharing about COVID-19, community updates, inspiration and advice.

Pandemic unveiled systemic issues

    • Disasters like the pandemic provide an opportunity to examine the exception in order to understand the rule and to expose the unequal social structures that are often hidden in everyday life.
    • A University of Guelph study found that in 2020, as the reality of the pandemic set in, discussions in caremonger groups turned towards difficult topics of social justice, inequality and colonization.
    • One group organizer who took part in the study shared that she felt COVID-19 unveiled the challenges faced by marginalized people.

A more equitable post-pandemic world

    • As the global emergency ends, we need to ask ourselves how a post-pandemic world could be more equitable, just and nurturing.
    • The pandemic allowed people to connect with strangers in their neighbourhoods and country through the development of community good will across different geographies.
    • Pandemic travel restrictions also produced some positive environmental effects around the world.
    • As we reflect on the last three years, let us seize the opportunity to use the experience to create a more equitable, just and nurturing post-pandemic world.
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