Target: Jay Bhattacharya, Director of National Institutes of Health
Goal: Strengthen American response and preparedness for Ebola and other epidemic-prone illnesses.
One of the worst Ebola outbreaks in history has gripped the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has seen over a thousand cases and a roughly 20 percent fatality rate. Ebola sufferers can experience a horrific death from the hemorrhagic fever that causes severe bleeding, dehydration, and organ failure. Because of an absence of vaccines and of international aid, this particular strain of the deadly virus is spreading at a concerning pace.
The outbreak is a manifestation of the deep cuts and defunding the world’s once-healthcare leader, the United States, made to humanitarian efforts and to medical research. Coordinated action plans that once would have been implemented immediately have never materialized, and instead U.S. leadership is focused on somehow trying to screen out this virus and other illnesses that recognize no borders. Americans who risked their lives in service to others have been abandoned, as infected aid workers are being flown to anywhere except the United States for treatment…including to regions ill-equipped to deal with such a devastating illness. Individuals on the front lines worry this heartless approach will discourage future Americans from embracing this important work, as they may feel they cannot count on their own government if the worst happens. With the U.S.-hosted World Cup imminent – when America will welcome sports fans from around the world – the lack of competent coordination and informed response to disease outbreaks could open a whole new can of worms.
Sign the petition below to demand leading American health agencies reinvest in the resources, personnel, and partnerships essential to safeguarding public health.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Bhattacharya,
“The United States has systems in place to make sure that if something happens that we respond appropriately.” You recently made this statement in response to concerns about health risks associated with the five-week-long World Cup. But how true is this claim?
If U.S. response to the most recent Ebola outbreak is any indication, then optimism isn’t a luxury you can afford. COVID taught the world that containment and rapid response encompass much more than travel restrictions. Workers, researchers, and resources need to be on the ground, and any American involved in these efforts needs assurance that their leadership has their backs and will not cast them away to become someone else’s problem. Fight for a healing of the deep damage done to CDC and other public health programs due to defunding and employee termination. Fight for the remaining employees who face down hidden danger. And fight for a comprehensive and committed response plan to Ebola and to any health threat that endangers the most vulnerable.
Don’t take the humane out of humanity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Daniel Bausch
