Giving Compass' Take:

• Breanna Draxler, writing for YES! Magazine, provides an overview of the COVID-19 responses from Germany, New Zealand, Brazil, and Nicaragua to highlight what the United States can learn from these countries.

• What role is philanthropy playing in the COVID-19 response? What could be improved? 

• Read more about calling on world leaders to take action on COVID-19. 

COVID-19 has put political leaders and health care systems worldwide to the test. Although lockdowns are the common approach, some countries have opted for less stringent measures.

As scientists and public policy experts, we have spent years analyzing how countries prepare and respond to pandemics. We believe this is certain: The policy and communication choices that national leaders make has a measurable impact on the effectiveness of pandemic response.

In particular, Germany and New Zealand have handled the crisis effectively. Both countries used a science-based approach and strong, centralized messaging.

Like Germany, the country has emphasized science, leadership and consistent messaging. New Zealand’s Ardern builds public trust through regular appearances on social media, including posts aimed at children. As of May 9, the country had fewer than 1,500 confirmed cases and 20 deaths from COVID-19.

Brazil and Nicaragua have taken a decidedly different approach. Leaders of both countries have adopted a “hands-off” policy—in some cases, even discouraging people from following public health measures taken in other countries.

Over these months, President Jair Bolsonaro has said the virus is not a threat, calling it a “little flu.” He has also encouraged defiance of social distancing measures put in place by governors.

Nicaragua has also failed to acknowledge the dangers of this virus. President Daniel Ortega, an authoritarian leader who has remained in office despite term limits and sustained popular protests demanding his resignation, is resisting travel restrictions while encouraging schools and businesses to stay open. He discourages the use of masks, even by health care workers.

Reliance on science and centralized messaging help countries move faster to safely lift restrictions. Confusing and mixed messages, coupled with distrust of scientific experts, lets the virus spread. In the U.S., messaging is confusing and decentralized and defers to state governments for most policy development. This decentralization has led to vastly different actions by governors. Georgia and Texas reopened as cases continued to increase, while Washington and Oregon extend lockdowns well into the summer.

Read the full article about lessons we can learn in COVID-19 response by Breanna Draxler at YES! Magazine.