International experiences of confronting COVID-19: the Spanish experience

Given the importance of international experiences in facing the coronavirus, the Pal-Think institution, for its great belief in the importance of learning from others' experiences, held a dialogue session on the twenty-ninth of December to shed light on the Spanish experience, hosting the head of Fundalib, Ms Roxana Nicula, who spoke of the extent of the virus's effect on Spain from different aspects — economic, social, indeed even organisational. For example, 95% of the small and medium-sized enterprises were affected.

Nicula pointed out that despite the strict government measures, they did not succeed in containing the virus but led to opposite results — especially after the commander Simancas claimed that masks should not be worn, which in turn led to the crisis aggravating in an ascending manner. Despite that, the government refused any local and international support aimed at containing the virus's spread. Hence civil society organisations were able to overcome the virus through encouraging adherence to the safety and security measures embodied in wearing the mask and social distancing.

Nicula then spoke of the campaign “Private health saves lives”, launched by her institution. Its activity was embodied in publishing graphic materials on social media networks. She added that those who run the campaign are international and local specialists from the committee concerned with human rights, with the purpose of fighting the lack of awareness. There are also some guiding principles for the workers in the health sector, to work in the optimal manner against the disease. Nicula then concluded by receiving questions from the attendees and presenting some advice related to how to build a practical bridge through self-education and openness to opinion, to unleash the potential of any obstacles.