As we get into 2025, the COVID-19 pandemic may feel like a distant memory to some. Still, its effects continue to ripple through communities, especially here in Houston and within the Black community. While the immediate crisis has passed, COVID-19 remains a public health concern that warrants attention.
More than 20 million are believed to have died from COVID. The World Health Organization has said member countries reported more than 7 million deaths from COVID-19 but the true death toll is estimated to be at least three times higher.
“We cannot talk about COVID in the past, since it’s still with us,” WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
Here are five reasons why we should still care about COVID-19.
1. Ongoing Disparities in Health Outcomes
COVID-19 revealed the stark health disparities that exist in the United States, and Houston’s Black community was disproportionately affected. According to data from the Harris County Public Health Department, Black residents experienced higher rates of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. These outcomes were exacerbated by preexisting conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease—ailments that are more prevalent in Black communities due to systemic healthcare inequities.
Even as vaccines and treatments have become more widely available, these disparities persist. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare, preventive measures, and information is critical to addressing the long-term impacts of the pandemic.
2. The Rise of Long COVID
Long COVID, a condition where symptoms persist weeks or even months after the initial infection, is an emerging crisis. Research from the Texas Medical Center indicates that approximately 10-30% of people who contract COVID-19 may develop long COVID. For Black Houstonians, who faced higher infection rates, this could mean a larger proportion of the community dealing with chronic health issues, including fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory problems.
Advocacy for more research and resources to address long COVID is essential, particularly for communities that were hardest hit during the pandemic.
3. Economic Recovery Is Still Uneven
The pandemic had devastating economic consequences, and recovery has not been equal across all communities. Many Black-owned businesses in Houston struggled to stay afloat during COVID-19 and continue to face challenges, from supply chain disruptions to reduced customer traffic. Job losses in sectors like hospitality, retail, and healthcare—where Black workers are overrepresented—also had a lasting impact.
Supporting Black entrepreneurs and workers through targeted initiatives can help close these economic gaps and ensure a more equitable recovery.
4. Vaccine Fatigue and Declining Uptake
While vaccination campaigns helped curb the worst of the pandemic, vaccine fatigue is real. According to recent data from the Houston Health Department, booster shot rates among Black residents have plateaued, leaving many vulnerable to new variants. This is particularly concerning as experts warn of a potential resurgence in cases during colder months.
Culturally tailored outreach efforts and trusted messengers within the Black community can play a vital role in improving vaccine uptake and combating misinformation.
5. Preparedness for Future Health Crises
COVID-19 was a wake-up call, but have we truly learned the lessons it taught us? Building robust public health infrastructure and fostering trust within historically marginalized communities are essential steps to prepare for future pandemics. This includes addressing mistrust in medical institutions, ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of information, and investing in community health initiatives.
In Houston, grassroots organizations like the Black Health Matters Initiative have been at the forefront of these efforts, working to educate and empower the Black community. Their work underscores the importance of local action in fostering resilience.
