WHO Strengthens Global Health Coordination Through Pandemic Accords

The World Health Organization (WHO) has faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some arguing that its recent priorities reflect corporate interests more than public health, as highlighted by the recent pandemic treaty aimed at strengthening global health cooperation under WHO auspices. In the U.S., controversy continues over COVID-19 vaccine policies, with the Department of Health and Human Services restricting free vaccine access primarily to those over 65 with certain conditions, sparking debates about personal freedom and government leadership during the pandemic. Personal accounts from early COVID-19 cases in Oregon illustrate the varied public perception and impact of the virus, underscoring the complex social responses during the crisis. Meanwhile, experts like New York City's former health commissioner emphasize the importance of learning from the pandemic to prepare for future health emergencies through stronger partnerships between healthcare and public health sectors. Additionally, societal remembrance of mass casualty events remains a challenge, as discussions around how to appropriately memorialize COVID-19 victims parallel reflections on war memorials, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, highlighting the tension between forgetting and remembrance in shaping collective memory and preventing future tragedies.