By Gabriella Corrigan
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Communities closed their doors, strapped on masks, and distanced themselves from friends and family. Most people believed these protocols would last for only a few weeks but two years later the impact remains: with more than six million deaths, the toll is among the worst outbreaks in history. The burden extends beyond lives lost, with impacts on education, livelihoods, and mental, physical and social health that will only be understood years from now.
While the stats are devastating, there has been progress, including the fact that vaccines were developed in record time. Roughly 63% of the world population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine totalling nearly 11 billion doses administered globally.
It’s not good news for everyone though. The pandemic exposed multiple inequities, including those that fuel the disproportionate burden of poor health on communities of color and the world’s poorest people. For example, fewer than 14% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
On the pandemic’s second anniversary marked this month, we celebrate the victories and remain committed to addressing the inequities exposed and exacerbated by this pandemic.
In the midst of all this suffering, one thing stands out. Every day, despite the challenges, fatigue and uncertainty, in communities around the world, people are working hard to save and improve lives.
This is the essence of mettle.
The Task Force for Global Health’s recent 2021 Annual Report: “Pure Mettle” shares the stories of people who have shown resilience during these last two-years, saving and improving lives. The report highlights individuals who inspire us from 16 countries where we work. From health workers to community members to government officials to activists to scientists to donors, they remind us that, even in the most trying times, our individual actions have a collective impact.
The report provides an overview of both the work of The Task Force and the determined and hardworking individuals with whom we are honored to collaborate.
Click here to travel from Colombia to Mongolia from Kenya to Malta and from Sierra Leone to Minnesota to meet people who continue to make progress in eliminating diseases and protecting populations even in the face of COVID-19.
This is sponsored content.
