The U.S. And Global Response to Natural Disasters and Infectious Diseases- COVID-19
The range of threats to the safety of communities in the world is broad. Some of these threats to public health safety include factors such as infectious disease outbreak, unclean water, unsafe food, chemical and radiation contamination, technological hazards, societal conflicts and natural disasters (McNeary, Maltser & Verduzco‐Gutierrez 2020). These are diverse areas that require significant coordination in improving the health outcomes for people at risk of emergency and disaster. According to McNeary, Maltser & Verduzco‐Gutierrez (2020), such an effort requires multi-organisational, international and governmental level coordination, with institutions of research playing and significant role in advancing policies and preventive measure intervention.
This presentation discusses one of the most recent global pandemics of COID-19, looking into public health response, both for the US government and developing countries, addressing issues such as the effectiveness of the responses, barriers to effective response and the lesson learnt from the public health response.
The coronavirus disease (COVID -19) is an infectious disease that is caused by a recently is discovered coronavirus. The disease makes most people fall sick, with symptoms ranging from mild to moderate (Sohrabi et al. 2020). According to Sohrabi et al. (2020), most of the patient’s recover without special treatment. COVID-19 disease is transmitted from one place to the other through droplets that are generated when a person infected sneezes or exhales close to the victims. The droplets are relatively heavy making them float before falling quickly to the floors. The infection is commonly through inhaling the virus or by touching contaminated surfaces and then infecting the eyes nose or mouth.
Public health response to the coronavirus diseases has seen a drastic increase in public awareness and sensitization on the disease particularly on the mode of transmission, self-care and prevention techniques and the need for adherence to containment measures by governments.
The United States, like most other developed countries, has seen significant efforts in managing the spread of the coronavirus in communities. The United States has seen an increase in the allocation for resources necessary in testing, quarantining and contact tracing as interventions necessary in limiting the spread of the disease (Covid, C. D. C., & Team 2020). The country has also seen federal support towards strengthening the health care system, with efforts such as manufacturing and distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Research institutions have been facilitated to development of COVID 19 vaccines.
Developing countries have also been hit by the disease with most governments responding satisfactorily to the World Health Organizations (WHO) COVID-19 prevention interventions. The speed of a coronavirus has also had a significant impact on economic systems of the countries which have seen an increase in unemployment and lack of income, basic service and basic social needs. Countries have responded by providing social safety net programs and food aid which has been facilitated by a strong social mobilization and community engagement.
Generally, they have been an effective response to preventive measures but there are concerns significant concerns regarding the poorly coordinated efforts and a flood of misinformation that has characterized the processes. The US, for instance, has seen controversies even at the federal level on the management of the disease. The implementation of lockdown, quarantining and wearing of masks in public places has stirred debates. Such poor coordination is seen as the most significant barrier to the effective management of the spread of the disease.
Some of the lessons include the need for effective collaboration and communication as well as the management of fake news when addressing public health issues. The role of healthcare workers has also become evident with the increasing need for stronger support from governments to facilitate staffing and access to pieces of medical equipment necessary.
References
Covid, C. D. C., & Team, R. (2020). Severe outcomes among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)—United States, February 12–March 16, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 69(12), 343-346.
McNeary, L., Maltser, S., & Verduzco‐Gutierrez, M. (2020). Navigating Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid‐19) in Physiatry: A CAN Report for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities. PM&R, 12(5), 512-515.
Sohrabi, C., Alsafi, Z., O’Neill, N., Khan, M., Kerwan, A., Al-Jabir, A., … & Agha, R. (2020). World Health Organization declares global emergency: A review of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). International Journal of Surgery.