My comments about language access as a form of equity and resiliency, especially important during emerging public health/safety situations so communities are not left behind.
We have the tools, knowledge, resources to do this. Why not make it a best practice.
We have the tools, knowledge, resources to do this. Why not make it a best practice.
The evolving #WuFlu situation brings back vivid memories of SARS, when I just happen to job shadow the executive director of the Centre for Disease Control here in Vancouver for a week, as set up by my high school career councillor.
When the first case of SARS was confirmed in Canada, an emergency meeting was called with “Atlanta” (US CDC/North American HQ, all levels of Canadian government, health authorities, researchers, and experts. I was allowed into this “war room”, super out of place as a teenager.
I still remember how much emphasis this large group talked at length to ensure accuracy of information and how to work with media so it doesn’t cause public hysteria and let misinformation run amok. This was before smart phones and social media.
Fully recognizing that it’s only a matter of time until media publishes the then only rumours of a case of SARS in Canada, various strategies were proposed as to how to meet the various objectives needed to ensure public safety. It was pros at their best, working together.
I was told by at least three officials after the meeting to not say anything to anyone. Of course I told my dad as soon as he picked me up 😂
And what do you know, evening news rolls around with the exact framing of the situation that was discussed in that room.
And what do you know, evening news rolls around with the exact framing of the situation that was discussed in that room.
Just being in that room witnessing this rapid response to a global health issue showed me the importance of 1. accuracy and 2. the need for timeliness of information as a function of ensuring safety of the public in times of uncertainty and fear.
It also showed me the importance of making sure that information sharing is happening at a global level, as a disease doesn’t care what language speak or geopolitical affiliation you hold. There were so many key decisions made in that war room base off near up to the minute info.
We can be more “resilient” if we have better (accurate) information sharing.
Next is to ensure that we are extending this information to those in our communities and do what we can to ensure that it is accessible, language and otherwise. Fear and rumours is a bad combo.
Next is to ensure that we are extending this information to those in our communities and do what we can to ensure that it is accessible, language and otherwise. Fear and rumours is a bad combo.
So with that, I’ll leave this thread with a situation that was the same case back then with SARS as now with the #WuhanFlu #coronovirus: China has shut out Taiwan of World Health Organization meetings held to address these epidemics. There were confirmed cases of SARS; now #WuFlu
This forces Taiwan to rely on second degree info from friendly nations and NGOs. Also shuts out chance for Taiwan to be a part of the collective global effort to contain the outbreak of these diseases.
Playing politics over human lives and a global health issue is unacceptable.
Playing politics over human lives and a global health issue is unacceptable.
