In many low- and middle-income countries, poor policy choices have created financial and economic problems that have only grown worse as a result of the pandemic. Unless these mistakes are corrected, continued financial support will never provide genuine economic relief.
WASHINGTON, DC – Although the pandemic has caused upheavals and hardship around the world, it has fallen particularly hard on low- and middle-income countries. Vaccine availability has been far more limited in LMICs than in rich countries, and the refrigeration facilities needed to store the most effective vaccines are severely limited. In many LMICs, health-care workers are scarce, the facilities for treating COVID-19 patients are inadequate, and public-health systems are poorly organized, funded, and administered.
WASHINGTON, DC – Although the pandemic has caused upheavals and hardship around the world, it has fallen particularly hard on low- and middle-income countries. Vaccine availability has been far more limited in LMICs than in rich countries, and the refrigeration facilities needed to store the most effective vaccines are severely limited. In many LMICs, health-care workers are scarce, the facilities for treating COVID-19 patients are inadequate, and public-health systems are poorly organized, funded, and administered.