Project 1 

Solutions to COVID-19 in Developing Countries

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        The COVID-19 pandemic globally transformed and divided individuals into those who could work from home and those who could not afford to. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak begin in December 2019, and since April 2020 more than 52,900 deaths have been reported with more than one million people from 181 countries have contracted COVID-19 (Rodela et al. 2). This has resulted in a long-lasting crisis that requires to be addressed. There is a dramatic contrast to how developed countries quickly adapted to the changes COVID-19 presented while underdeveloped countries found it challenging to adjust. To combat this economic crisis that is presented in these low-income countries the problem must be addressed.  Although the aftermath of COVID-19 thoroughly damaged developing countries, there is a solution that will allow these countries to adapt to this social epidemic.

        Reevaluating health policymaking and practice can essentially improve the quality of well-being and benefit the economy. In the article, “Economic Impacts of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Developing Countries”, Rodela et al. fixate on revising health policymaking and practice by examining solutions. The article presents the argument that “balancing between preventive measures and establishing low-cost tertiary management may alleviate the burden of COVID-19 with a minimal economic burden” (Rodela et al. 4). Admittedly it would be challenging to implement affordable tertiary management in a developing country. However, it is essential to provide health policymaking and practice that can be implemented without hurting the economy because allowing cost-effective healthcare and preventative measures can control the spread of COVID-19. Containing the spread of COVID-19 will allow developing countries to adapt better. While it is important to contain the spread of COVID-19 in LDCs it is also equally as important for LDCs to keep trading open.

        Keeping trade open in the least developed countries (LDC) will stimulate their economies and promote their revenue.  It is found that “87.5% of goods exported from LDCs are sold in 10 major markets…” (World Economic Forum). These statistics demonstrate that LDCs receive most of their revenue from their exports, without keeping their trade open most LDC economies will lose a significant portion of their revenue. Due to COVID-19 trade in LDCs has significantly declined which is now resulting in a decrease in the economy. While it is argued that trade restrictions should be applied there are various other policies that can be followed to maintain the spread of COVID-19. Trade is necessary to promote economic growth especially for LDCs which supports the global economy. It is crucial to keep trade open in LDCs because without trade they would not be able to receive essential goods that are needed to maintain life. Additionally, to keeping trade open, it is crucial to also combat the economic downfall with providing solutions to declining employment rates and paid time off.

        To combat economic damage and employment rates LDCs can provide paid sick leave and extend employment services. Due to COVID-19 employment rates have steadily declined “In the LDCs, as of July 30th, over 80 per cent of all workers resided in countries with some kind of workplace closures, which compares with a similar percentage in high-income economies, while just over 20 per cent were in countries with required workplace closures for all but essential workers. (Hale, Thomas, et al.) With the employment crisis, it is essential to counteract its effects on the economy. Providing sick leave will allow the citizens of that country to be able to recover from COVID-19 at home without spreading it and boosting the economy. However, LDCs will need international assistance to fund the labor market and sick leave. According to the International Labor Organization “The World Bank has announced it is mobilizing $160 billion for loans and grants as part of its operational response to COVID-19, reaching out to almost all the LDCs…” (Hale, Thomas, et al.). This will allow LDCs to be able to contribute to stimulating the economy and protecting the citizens from that country. Additionally to protect the citizens LDCs should invest in healthcare facilities and supplies to support the recovery of the damage that COVID-19 has presented.

        Investing in healthcare facilities and supplies will assist LDCs in combating COVID-19. According to the article titled, “COVID-19 in LDCs”, it states that “There are on average only 113 hospital beds per 100,000 inhabitants in LDCs, less than half the number in other developing countries and around 80 per cent below developed countries”. These statistics allow perspective on the stark gap in healthcare between developed countries and LDCs. While developed countries are able to provide adequate healthcare it is apparent that LDCs will need international support to be able to establish the required healthcare facilities and supplies. With international support LDCs will be able to overcome the challenges that COVID-19 has presented.

        The COVID-19 epidemic has shed light on the contrasting differences in how well varying countries are able to adapt. This has resulted in highlighting the stark gap in the varying economic statuses of countries. It is apparent that LDCs need to reevaluate in order to prep for future potential outbreaks. COVID-19 has presented adversities to everyday life, the economy, and many other areas of living. To be able to analyze different situations will allow people to recognize what went wrong and how to better prep for the future. COVID-19 is a social epidemic that has globally transformed the way people live day to day and will forever change how people handle future epidemics.