The world has reached the grim milestone of its millionth officially recorded case of coronavirus, but global health officials and policymakers are warning that it is still the early stage of a longer, arduous journey. Experts believe that there remains a very large number of undetected cases all over the world, especially in poorer countries and isolated areas. Our shared challenge in the months to come will be to address the trials faced by the world’s poor and vulnerable, as well as to provide assistance to less developed nations, where the virus is likely to wreak havoc.
In Iraq, for instance, where nearly 700 people have tested positive thus far, the World Health Organisation said that cases of coronavirus are expected to rise significantly. Baghdad’s biggest challenges are its crumbling healthcare infrastructure and scarce number of testing kits, compounded by a lack of funds. Although authorities have established a nationwide curfew and restricted travel, many Iraqis have blatantly disregarded these measures. Militia leaders have encouraged reckless behaviour, with populist cleric Moqtada Al Sadr initially urging his followers to go about their business as usual and spreading conspiracy theories about coronavirus.
But even in places where such rhetoric is less of an issue, it is difficult to convince the poor, many of whom rely on daily wages to make ends meet, to stop working without providing any compensation. In Tunisia, hundreds of protesters have gathered in working class neighbourhoods to demonstrate against stay-at-home measures. "Never mind coronavirus, we're going to die anyway. Let us work," one bricklayer shouted. "Let me at least bring bread home for my children." Social safety nets are needed to allow working people to afford staying in. Low-income earners, those without savings and those who rely on daily wages face tough times ahead.Stimulus packages are also important to keep the economy afloat and to save millions of jobs.
In times of pandemic, nations can only be as healthy as their most vulnerable people. Coronavirus is especially dangerous for those over the age of 60, patients with underlying medical conditions, and the health workers who care for them day and night. In Spain and Italy, thousands of medical staff have contracted Covid-19. A shortage of personal protective equipment in the US and Europe has made it difficult for doctors and nurses in these places to stay safe.
In times of pandemic, nations can only be as healthy as their most vulnerable people
But staying at home and having access to financial aid and protective gear is sometimes not enough. For victims of domestic abuse, staying in can mean being trapped in a confined space with their aggressors for an indefinite amount of time. This is all the more dangerous as police, charities and hospitals are now overwhelmed with coronavirus cases, with their resources and attention stretched. Women and children trapped in abusive homes must not become the collateral victims of Covid-19. Authorities have to work on identifying those who require help, and offer them alternative shelter away from their aggressors.
Everywhere in the world, Covid-19 has not erased existing problems, such as domestic abuse, poverty and under-resourced healthcare services. On the contrary, it has put additional strain on issues that have not previously been dealt with. To truly keep as many people as possible safe during this pandemic, we must also address these underlying causes.
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
From exhibitions to the battlefield
In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.
It was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to modify the Shaded Dome to make it suitable for ballistic protection. Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the companies which designed the dome, is an independent international engineering and project management consultancy, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation.
It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.
It aims to minimise the impact on the environment by leading by example in its projects in sustainable development and innovation, to become part of the solution to a more sustainable society now and into the future.
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un shake hands ahead of one-on-one discussion
US and North Korean teams sit down for bilateral summit
Kim: “I believe this is a good prelude for peace."
Trump: “We will solve it, we will be successful.”
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Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh
Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com
