COVID-19 blind spots: A consensus statement on the importance of competent political leadership and the need for public health cognizance

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, important discoveries and considerations emerge regarding the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pathogen; its biological and epidemiological characteristics; and the corresponding psychological, societal, and public health (PH) impacts. During the past year, the global community underwent a massive transformation, including the implementation of numerous nonpharmacological interventions; critical diversions or modifications across various spheres of our economic and public domains; and a transition from consumption-driven to conservation-based behaviors. Providing essential necessities such as food, water, health care, financial, and other services has become a formidable challenge, with significant threats to the existing supply chains and the shortage or reduction of workforce across many sectors of the global economy. Food and pharmaceutical supply chains constitute uniquely vulnerable and critically important areas that require high levels of safety and compliance. Many regional health-care systems faced at least one wave of overwhelming COVID-19 case surges, and still face the possibility of a new wave of infections on the horizon, potentially in combination with other endemic diseases such as influenza, dengue, tuberculosis, and malaria. In this context, the need for an effective and scientifically informed leadership to sustain and improve global capacity to ensure international health security is starkly apparent. Public health “blind spotting,” promulgation of pseudoscience, and academic dishonesty emerged as significant threats to population health and stability during the pandemic. The goal of this consensus statement is to provide a focused summary of such “blind spots” identified during an expert group intense analysis of “missed opportunities” during the initial wave of the pandemic.

COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of Healthcare Students’ Perceptions of Life during the Pandemic in the United States and Brazil

“…This follows suit with the messaging coming from both medical and political leaders did not always correspond and thus led to confusion among the public, particularly when it came to mask-wearing. This lack of knowledge of public health principles and the overall politicization of COVID-19 regarding knowledge, quarantine, and tracing efforts have demonstrated that "it is important to ensure that properly trained personnel are empowered to act in a purely nonpolitical manner" [14].…”

Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Strengthen TB Infection Control: A Rapid Review

“…Papadimos et al 43 Global Deploying point-of-care diagnostics and focusing on telemedicine platforms (albeit challenges like suboptimal internet connectivity or insufficient encryption) have the potential to enhance screening efforts and prevent excess TB mortality.…”

“…48,52,53 Political commitment is essential to support core health care services that sustain high-quality point-ofcare diagnostics and treatment plans for TB patients as well as balancing these needs with the coexisting pandemic. 19,37,[41][42][43] These actions can focus on long-term and comprehensive care for TB and coexisting priorities like COVID-19. 6,32,36,45 Following the World Health Organization's call that all nations should conduct and utilize research capacity, researchers can investigate key scientific questions raised during coinciding pandemics.…”

“…Forming a network of stakeholders-or community groups comprised of individuals who represent different disciplines but share common goals 51 -can help identify community needs and health system vulnerabilities related to TB prevention and control. As community stakeholders share approaches and lessons learned, a multisectoral response that aims to reduce TB burden can drive community engagement with families 6,31,43,49 and support health care workers in facilitating educational activities as a platform to increase TB awareness and reduce stigma. 41,45 By working with community stakeholders, health leaders can identify high-risk communities of poor health status, including inadequate nutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and unemployment, and advocate for creative solutions to improve public welfare programs.…”

“…. .the current pandemic has put significant competitive pressure on research and development in other infectious disease areas43 With the disruptions and reorganization of services in response to the pandemic, delays in TB diagnosis and treatment initiation may result in increased transmission and new cases39 Public health leadership, health care workers Lack of understanding of impact of national emergencies on other established health programs: Given the severity of projections, hospitals across the globe are creating additional critical care surge capacity and limiting patient routine access to care for other diseases like [TB]41 Public health leadership, health care workers Limited oversight of the importance of TB programs: . .…”