Within the relentless struggle in opposition to COVID-19, the Philippine caregiving group emerged as a resilient but disproportionately affected entrance line. Information exhibits that regardless of comprising solely 4.5% of the US healthcare system, Filipino nurses, a big supply of foreign-born registered nurses, account for one-third of COVID-related deaths. Moreover, the Bulosan Heart for Filipino Research carried out a survey the place 13% of nurses reported insufficient private protecting tools from their employers.
As one with a sister within the Philippine nursing group, I do know that these nurses had an integral position in serving to the rising circumstances throughout the peak of the pandemic. These nurses introduced hope to others whereas dealing with a seemingly infinite loss of life toll and uncertainty about their very own destiny. These nurses sacrifice the normality of their lives so that everybody round them can preserve theirs.
By standing in solidarity with Filipino nurses, advocating for help and addressing well being disparities, we are able to create a extra resilient and equitable healthcare panorama. It’s time to shine a highlight on devoted Filipino nurses who’re advocating for strong help methods and implementing important well being precautions to avert a possible widespread catastrophe that threatens not solely their security but in addition the resilience of our total well being infrastructure.
Melanie Cayabyab, Seattle