Urgent call for Canada to strengthen pandemic resilience
The next pandemic is not a question of if but when, and it may prove to be more dangerous than COVID-19. The authors of the latest Canadian report are urging immediate preparations, with particular attention to vulnerable and marginalized social groups.
20 October 2024 09:48
The report "The time to act is now," commissioned by the Canadian government, was prepared by six scientists and doctors tasked with assessing the importance of collaboration with scientists during a pandemic. Experts concluded: "A greater focus must be placed on reducing their impacts before the next pandemic strikes."
They also note that before the pandemic, collecting and sharing data on health determinants was insufficient. During the pandemic, health services in cities began to gather significant data, but in many cases, these efforts came too late.
Preparation must start now
"A future emergency ... could be faster moving and more severe than the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 disproportionately negatively impacted communities already experiencing inequities and health disparities. This included lower-income Canadians, homeless and under-housed populations, Black and other racialized populations, and individuals living in vulnerable conditions," wrote the authors of the latest Canadian report.
In light of this, experts recommend forming a Canada-wide advisory group now, rather than convening an expert panel only during the next pandemic.
Pandemic and social issues
The report highlights that the pandemic had a disproportionately high impact on Canadians who face systemic barriers in accessing healthcare, have poorer health conditions, and struggle with social issues that can exacerbate the effects of emergencies.
One of the main conclusions of the report concerns the need to improve equality in access to healthcare.
Traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
The authors also point out the difficulties faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada during the pandemic, not only due to poorer access to healthcare or poverty. They stressed that Indigenous knowledge on health issues must be integrated into the coordination of scientific research and expert opinions, highlighting the need to fund studies that incorporate the traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
The report cites the example of New Zealand, which includes in its national risk register principles of collaboration with Māori and allows for the use of their unique knowledge in planning and preparation processes. Such standards are essential in crisis planning, the experts emphasized.
