Why we need global health

The year 2021 was one of the hardest years for everyone including myself. I remember hoping for an end of Covid-19 pandemic with promising news of vaccines at the beginning of 2021. Unfortunately, that hope did not come true. Instead, the world is still in the midst of pandemic that seems to be always two steps ahead of us. No one has actually seen the Covid virus with naked eyes, yet this virus has been the hardest enemy to defeat. With advanced scientific knowledge and skills, the world is still ‘figuring out’ this ever-changing virus.

I want to put 2021 behind and move forward with 2022. As more vaccines are being developed and treatments are being tested, I remain hopeful that this new year will be brighter than the previous one. Maybe this is my way of coping with a dark start of the new year – skyrocketing in the number of cases and deaths worldwide.

One thing I appreciate about this pandemic is that people value a strong public health system. As a global health researcher, I now have a great example to share with others on why this field is important to pursue. The world is more connected than ever before. People can travel to the opposite side of the globe within a day. Such convenience has enabled the spread of virus like corona faster than ever. We need to a collaboration globally to end this pandemic once and for all.