2020. The year that felt like a decade. From a global pandemic to political turmoil, it’s safe to say most of us are happy to have it in the rearview mirror. But amidst the chaos, some genuinely good things happened. Let’s take a look at ten reasons why 2020 wasn’t a complete dumpster fire.
While it’s easy to focus on the negative, remembering these achievements can offer a fresh perspective and a bit of hope. So, let’s dive in!
Multiple COVID-19 Vaccines Were Developed
COVID-19 brought unprecedented disruption, shuttering businesses and enforcing lockdowns worldwide. The virus tragically impacted millions. Yet, the global urgency spurred something remarkable: the rapid development of multiple vaccines.
Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna spearheaded the effort, creating vaccines with impressive efficacy rates. The rollout began in December, offering a beacon of hope for a return to normalcy. Margaret Keenan, a 91-year-old British woman, became the first to receive the Pfizer vaccine, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against the virus.
A Possible Control For Malaria Was Discovered
Malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, threatening nearly half the global population. In 2016 alone, it caused millions of clinical episodes and almost half a million deaths, predominantly in Africa.
In May 2020, a groundbreaking discovery offered new hope. Kenyan and British scientists identified Microsporidia MB, a parasitic microbe that prevents mosquitoes from carrying malaria. This discovery could revolutionize malaria control, offering a direct means to combat its spread.
The #MeToo Movement Scored A Huge Victory
The #MeToo movement, which started in 2006, gained significant momentum in 2020 with the conviction of Harvey Weinstein. Accusations of sexual abuse against Weinstein led to a watershed moment, empowering women to share their stories and seek justice.
Weinstein’s sentencing to 23 years in prison marked a significant victory for the movement. It demonstrated that powerful figures could be held accountable for their actions, fostering a culture of change and awareness.
Africa Was Declared Free Of Wild Polio
Polio, a devastating disease, was eradicated in many Western nations by 1979. However, it persisted in other parts of the world, especially in Africa. Thanks to decades of vaccination efforts, 2020 marked a monumental achievement: Africa was declared free of wild polio.
Driven by immunization campaigns and the work of figures like Nelson Mandela, this victory signified the end of the wild poliovirus in Africa, protecting future generations from the disease.
Sudan Finally Achieved Peace
The Republic of Sudan had been plagued by conflict for decades, due to various political, cultural, and religious differences. After the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir, Sudan began transitioning to a secular government, paving the way for peace.
In August 2020, major groups signed a preliminary peace deal. This agreement aimed to resolve long-standing conflicts and build a foundation for a more stable and unified Sudan.
Multiple Successes In Israeli-Arab Peace
The U.S. administration played a key role in brokering agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed historic normalization agreements with Israel, marking significant diplomatic breakthroughs.
These agreements were the first of their kind in decades and opened doors for increased cooperation and dialogue in the Middle East, fostering hope for lasting peace.
The Falkland Islands Were Declared Landmine-Free
Following the 1982 Falklands War, the islands were littered with thousands of landmines. These mines posed a serious threat to the local population for nearly four decades. In October 2020, the Falkland Islands were finally declared landmine-free.
After extensive demining operations, the removal of these deadly devices allowed the beaches and surrounding areas to be safely accessed once again, bringing closure to a painful chapter in the islands’ history.
Dog Adoptions Soared, Thanks To COVID
With people spending more time at home, many found themselves seeking companionship. As a result, dog adoptions soared across the United States. Shelters saw a significant increase in adoptions, with some even running out of dogs to adopt.
This surge in adoptions provided loving homes for countless animals, transforming lives during a difficult time, and reducing the number of animals in shelters.
We Found Ways To Adapt And Overcome
The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to adapt and innovate. Working from home became the norm, and businesses found new ways to operate. Drive-in movie theaters made a comeback, and people began producing masks and hand sanitizers.
These adaptations highlighted human resilience and the ability to find creative solutions in the face of adversity. Communities came together to support one another, demonstrating the strength of the human spirit.
The Second-Largest Ebola Outbreak Ended
While COVID-19 dominated headlines, the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history came to an end in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After a two-year battle, the outbreak was declared over in June 2020.
The successful containment of Ebola, thanks to the efforts of the World Health Organization and other agencies, showcased the importance of global cooperation in combating deadly diseases. The development and use of the rVSV-ZEBOV Ebola vaccine played a crucial role in limiting the spread.
So, while 2020 was undoubtedly a tough year, it wasn’t without its bright spots. From scientific breakthroughs to peace agreements and acts of kindness, there were reasons to remain hopeful. Remembering these positive moments can help us appreciate the resilience of the human spirit and look forward to a brighter future.
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