Blogs

In a country with an exhausted economy and its healthcare facilities decimated, it’s not only about fighting the virus itself but about withstanding its aftershocks. As a result of the lockdown, many people, who already live hand-to-mouth, have been unable to make a living. A crisis within a crisis.

In Iraq, as elsewhere, the coronavirus pandemic is having severe impacts on the population. But according to research conducted by Oxfam, women are disproportionately affected. They are facing an increase in the burden of domestic work and caring responsibilities, a heightened risk of domestic violence as well as loss of economic livelihoods.

Big Pharma — long-blasted for gouging prices, avoiding taxes, and rigging the political process to maximize profits — has emerged as key players in the race to bring an end to the COVID-19 crisis. Who gets access to lifesaving medicines and vaccines — and when — will determine who lives and who dies.

The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic to our Pacific shores once again brought to light the weakness of public health systems in our region. The reality is that our health systems are not ready for this crisis.

This isn’t the time to remain silent, silent ally, this is the time you should reach out to your neighbors, friends, colleagues of color and learn and educate yourself on their lived experiences in your country, because the truth of the matter is that racism is everywhere.

The coronavirus pandemic is a crisis for everyone. All around us people are affected — our loved ones, our neighbours, our colleagues, our communities.