Canada must do more to support global vaccination efforts against COVID-19, and prepare for an “uncertain future,” says the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

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To reduce global inequities and the impact of future variants of COVID-19 and as international travel resumes, Canada must accelerate global vaccine distribution, and take a number of steps to revitalize the workforce. health, according to the CMA.

In a statement released Friday, the Association lists several recommendations, such as increasing funding and resources for public health teams and organizations. The CMA also recommends that burnout in public health and healthcare teams be recognized and addressed.

Finally, she suggests working with communities to address systemic discrimination in health care and public health, particularly regarding Indigenous health, with targeted funding.

The goal is for Canada to be prepared for future waves of COVID-19, or even another virus to come.

Concerned Canadians

The CMA cites, in support of its recommendations, a new poll conducted by Ipsos on its behalf, which indicates that Canadians are concerned about global vaccination rates and the risk of the spread of new variants. A total of 44% would worry about family and friends traveling to countries with lower vaccination rates. Two-thirds of them would also be concerned about the spread of new variants at the national level.