Healthcare in Crisis - what we can do about it
By Just Treatment patient leader Izzie Jani-Friend.
We are in the middle of a global pandemic. Privatisation and cuts have left our NHS on its knees, vulnerable to COVID-19. Around the world, the virus is taking a dramatic toll on people’s lives and livelihoods. Now is the time to come together and build global solidarity in response to the pandemic.
That is why on the 24th September at 8pm I will be speaking at a free online panel event held by The World Transformed called Healthcare in Crisis: Building International Solidarity. Alongside a range of international speakers representing nurses, healthcare workers and patients, we’ll be discussing the challenges we now face and how we can work together to protect patients and workers.
I have Cystic Fibrosis, a life threatening, chronic condition, causing passageways in my lungs and digestive system to become blocked with thick, sticky secretions, over time leading to fatal lung damage.
The nature of my disability means I have been isolating since March, as COVID-19 places huge risks to my already damaged lungs. This means I will remain shielding and socially distancing until a vaccine is available.
In the middle of an international pandemic, the need for international collaboration and solidarity has never been so clear.
But what we have been seeing so far is worrying. Rich countries like the US and UK are buying large supplies of vaccines, while the UK government is signing secret COVID vaccine deals with taxpayer money, with no guarantee those who need it most around the world will gain priority access. Our safety depends on the safety of everyone. Whilst the UK hoards medication, we forget about those in other countries.
“We can’t beat this pandemic without international solidarity - the virus doesn’t respect borders, so we must come together. ”
The pandemic has shown us just how important our healthcare systems are. We rely on them now more than ever - without them the pandemic would pose an even bigger threat. We must ensure that they are priority recipients of any vaccine, along with vulnerable groups and the elderly. Once healthcare workers have what they need - safe working conditions, sufficient PPE and priority access to a vaccine - patients will be safer.
We need governments to act. Whilst people continue to get sick and die, losing loved ones and their livelihoods, big pharma seeks to profit on our suffering. Those who need a vaccine most won’t necessarily be prioritised. We need to ensure they gain access, no matter where they live in the world.
We can’t beat this pandemic without international solidarity - the virus doesn’t respect borders, so we must come together.