Global Health Is Necessary for Safety and Security Here at Home

A perspective from Katherine Tannous

 

In the wake of a major COVID-19 outbreak on the UNC Chapel Hill campus, the local community exudes an air of tension and fear. It has threatened the sense of safety not only within the university but in all the surrounding communities felt, as well as has served as a reminder of the very real threat this pandemic continues to pose.

Given how devastating this is for our community, I urge you to consider the impact of COVID-19 on those living in poverty all around the world, especially those living in underdeveloped or developing countries who do have access to very limited health resources. More so, I urge you to use your advantage, as global citizens living in the United States, to do all that you can to ensure the safety of these vulnerable populations.

This is the idea behind the Borgen Project, a national campaign that fights global poverty by ensuring it remains a focus of US foreign policy. The Borgen Project believes it is the responsibility of the world’s most powerful nation, the United States, to help eradicate global poverty. Apart from the moral obligation we hold as global citizens, an investment in global health is an investment in U.S. national security and US jobs. In a joint statement, the co-chairs of the US Global Leadership Coalition, Admiral Stavridis and General Zinni, stated:

“No matter how successful we are in fighting the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic at home, we will never stop it unless we are also fighting it around the world.”

As a supporter of the Borgen Project, I encourage you to make your voice heard by urging our senators in North Carolina to support at least $12 billion in the next emergency supplemental for the International Affairs Budget to fight COVID-19.

 

“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to viewpoints@wchl.com

 

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