Political choices determine the conditions under which people can be healthy. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has provided a stark illustration of why this is the case. Our ability to adequately prepare and respond to pandemics and other global health threats ultimately turn on political leadership and governance. Of all the things we should worry about that will make us sick during the pandemic, political corruption and malpractice are the leading causes. We will not be able to evade COVID-19 without a political cure.