An article published on the website of the Washington Post on August 27 pointed out that the United States has not prepared for the coming epidemic. The COVID-19 epidemic has brought enough lessons, and the threat faced by the country is real. However, the United States has basically failed to make preparations for the next epidemic and the enterprising spirit it should have.
Screenshot of the commentary article on the Washington Post website
The article criticizes that after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Congress and the government responded with a sense of urgency and mission and took various measures to prevent the recurrence of terrorist attacks. In contrast, in the face of the severe "attack" of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, although more than 1 million Americans have lost their lives, this country has done nothing.
"Epidemic prevention - translating the experience and lessons learned from coping with COVID-19 into practical actions - must become a top priority for the White House, Congress and the American people." "It is not enough to adjust the organization chart and polish the report documents. On the contrary, what the United States needs is a sustained and extensive reform of the handling of public health issues. Unless this country changes its course, more crises will come, and perhaps soon."
The response to the COVID-19 epidemic has exposed the risks in the United States, and division is one of them. The article points out that the epidemic response measures taken by various states and localities are fragmented; The United States has split into two opposing camps on the issues of openness or restriction, and whether to wear masks or vaccinate; One jurisdiction after another is also constantly fighting over diagnostic testing, material supply and treatment.
Referring to the monkeypox epidemic that is spreading in the United States, the article said that the United States has confirmed more than 16920 monkeypox cases in just three months. At present, the public health system is overwhelmed, and the epidemic has not been controlled.
The article said that although the United States has advanced medical capabilities and sufficient funds, these advantages were wasted when the outbreak occurred. "The plan is not the only key factor, but the action is." there are many reform measures that need to be implemented by Congress and the White House.
However, the prospect of large-scale reform is not optimistic. The partisan fighting on Capitol Hill has blocked further funds needed to deal with the current epidemic, let alone prepare for future epidemics. "The reform of public health requires great changes in thinking. In order to protect ourselves, we must attach importance to this effort rather than continue to ignore it. We have been warned."