KENNETH THORPE (cont.)

Another problem posed by this pandemic has been how to get people the consistent and coordinated care they need when medical offices and clinics have had to close doors to avoid becoming clusters for the spread of the virus. The ability to pivot to telemedicine has no doubt saved lives and health care dollars. We need to keep this option open by renewing and expanding insurance coverage for telemedicine.

Perhaps the single most important partnership for getting us through the pandemic was the one between the federal government and pharmaceutical industry to create, test, produce, and distribute vaccines as quickly and safely as possible. The 'lesson learned' here is that we all benefited from an existing ecosystem promoting innovation that was already feeding worldclass research facilities, leading-edge technology, and top scientists.

We must preserve this ecosystem for innovation and avoid dramatic cuts to health care providers in the midst of a pandemic.

We have also learned that the need for partnership extends beyond our borders. Though underfunded, COVAX — the global initiative to inoculate the world against COVID-19 directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the World Health Organization — is a model to build on. Let's not go back to Square One.

Instead, let's recognize and fortify these partnerships for innovations that will protect us into the future.

Kenneth E. Thorpe is a professor of health policy at Emory University and chairman of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease.