COVID-19: forgetting a pandemic that is not over

Richard Horton's commentary¹ speaks to the importance of ensuring accountability especially when considering an event as devastating as the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that accountability should also include not forgetting.

In the case of COVID-19, evaluations² and reviews³ were conducted, missteps have been analysed, and recommendations regarding task forces, new treaties, and initiatives have been advanced. But, perhaps subconsciously, a process of forgetting is also taking place.

The narratives that the worst is over and what remains is preparation for the next public health emergency could inadvertently be contributing to individuals and institutions distancing themselves from the pain, sense of loss, and failures brought by the current pandemic—including donors who are moving on.⁴ Perhaps only people directly affected, either because they lost a loved one or have post-COVID-19 condition, will continue to pay attention to COVID-19. To these people we can add civil society organisations, including many that have worked with HIV and AIDS and are now applying their experience to COVID-19. Despite some praise for their contribution, these organisations are largely being overlooked, particularly by donors. The frustration is not entirely new, since financial support for their work with HIV and AIDS has also waned.⁵

Comprehensive and incisive evaluations, although essential, might unintentionally signal that it is time to move on, paradoxically abetting processes of forgetting. The risk is that moving on will worsen ongoing deficiencies in care, response, and advocacy for people who continue to be affected by or clinically vulnerable to COVID-19. Institutions, including governments, global health agencies, and donors, must be able to plan for and respond to new global health emergencies while still supporting their past priorities.⁴ Otherwise, these institutions risk further failing the people they intend to serve.