Nearly 90% of Maryland residents are at least partially vaccinated, and the majority are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (See Maryland COVID Cases, Vaccinations, and Others). What are the trends in the metric? Here are the latest numbers.” Nov 23). As the Marylander continues to move forward in his fight against COVID, we must remember that our current success is due to the efforts of frontline healthcare workers. It is critical that frontline health workers are adequately supported with the supplies they need to prevent and treat disease. The availability of COVID vaccines, tests, and protective equipment such as gloves and masks can help healthcare workers keep the virus at bay.
Nevertheless, the burden of COVID-19 is global rather than local. Some frontline health workers in low- and lower-middle-income countries and workers in disaster- and conflict-affected areas do not have access to the medical supplies needed to prevent and treat COVID and other infectious diseases. Robust and comprehensive primary health care systems are needed to stem the spread of disease in these countries. The benefits of comprehensive primary health care for vulnerable populations are immense. That is why we need to provide foreign aid to strengthen primary health care systems in developing countries. This will help save lives and reduce the burden of future outbreaks and pandemics.
Thankfully, US Senator Chris Van Hollen is in a position to help increase this kind of funding for healthcare workers around the world. He is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds foreign aid and chairs the subcommittee that sets health policy for Africa and the world. In the coming year, I hope he will help expand funding for the basic medicines and supplies that frontline health workers need to do their jobs. Enhances and reduces preventable deaths.
Increased funding for frontline health workers can help protect us all, no matter where we live. Primary health care efforts for the world’s most vulnerable people Supporting is the right thing to do in this day and age.
— Jade Obayuwana, Bowie
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