Pandemic Amnesia: Canada’s Chief Science Adviser Warns Against Forgetting the Lessons of COVID-19

Canada’s chief science adviser, Mona Nemer, has sounded a warning about the dangers of pandemic amnesia. As new outbreaks and ongoing health crises persist worldwide, Nemer’s call for reflection on Canada’s response to COVID-19 is more urgent than ever.

The anger and frustration many Canadians felt during the pandemic were understandable, given the disruptions and hardships caused by lockdowns, closures, and vaccination efforts. However, this anger was not just about the measures themselves but also about underlying issues like livelihood loss, grief, and disruption to education. By acknowledging these diverse sources of frustration, Nemer argues that governments, scientists, and citizens can begin building trust and understanding.

Nemer is not advocating for a partisan or open-ended inquiry but rather a focused effort to understand what worked and what didn’t in Canada’s COVID-19 response. Such reflection should be apolitical, context-driven, and conducted with the mindset to avoid finger-pointing and recrimination.

The stakes are high because the world continues to struggle responding effectively to new outbreaks. The ongoing Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo serves as a stark reminder that the global community has not yet learned from COVID-19. With thousands of cases reported, the outbreak continues to rage on, underscoring Nemer’s point about the need for integrated pandemic preparedness and routine health services.

The lack of preparedness for Ebola is particularly galling given the lessons of COVID-19. Despite the urgency with which governments responded during the pandemic, it appears that momentum has been lost in recent months. Other diseases like mpox, hantavirus, and bird flu continue to pose significant threats, yet the world seems slow to respond.

Nemer’s comments also highlight the issue of collective fatigue and public trust. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on citizens and governments alike, leaving many feeling exhausted and disillusioned with the health system. However, as Nemer notes, this is precisely the moment when we need to rebuild trust and prepare for future outbreaks.

In an era marked by increasing skepticism towards institutions and science, Nemer’s words are a timely reminder of the importance of reflection, trust-building, and preparedness. By engaging in a constructive examination of Canada’s COVID-19 response, we can begin building a more resilient and responsive health system – one that will be better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.

As Nemer so eloquently puts it, “it’s not during crisis that we’re going to start developing the trust that is absolutely critical.” Her call for reflection is about the past, but also about the future.