Observance of public health measures life-saving

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health talk:with Dr Johannes Marisa Tears continue flowing as the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic rages on in the world. While many were now of the view that the pandemic was receding, events on the global ground do not seem to say so. The world records an average of 250 000 cases daily with deaths […]

health talk:with Dr Johannes Marisa

Tears continue flowing as the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic rages on in the world. While many were now of the view that the pandemic was receding, events on the global ground do not seem to say so. The world records an average of 250 000 cases daily with deaths of more than 5 500. India sits on third position in terms of prevalence, but tops the list on incidence of Covid-19. It is unfortunate that Europe is experiencing a second serious wave of infections with France, the United Kingdom and Spain being worst hit. This is really disheartening considering that everyone thought the virus was beginning to recede.

Brazil, India and the United States have been recording more than 1 000 deaths daily apiece for the past week which may be a signal that the virus is far from being over. Zimbabwe has recorded just over 6 500 cases since March 20 when the first case was identified in our country. I agree that the past two weeks have been better in terms of both morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe if we are to compare with the previous weeks. I agree that there is general underestimation as there is inadequacy in testing which therefore impedes strategic planning, forecasting and mapping by responsible authorities.

With the Western world battling to control the Covid-19 pandemic despite their advanced testing, sophisticated hospital equipment, heavy staff presence and rich budgets, many people thought that Africa would be turned into graveyards and one prophet of doom, in March 2020, predicted that Zimbabwe would have 13 million citizens affected with more than 1,4 million deaths. That was mere wishful thinking from a desperate so-called epidemiologist who should be hiding in a cave today.

Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases. The pandemic virulence has nothing much to do with economic measures of development like gross domestic product (GDP) andgross national product (GNP).What I realised about Covid-19 is that it is a virus that can be contained and its complications can be reduced if we stick to good public health measures. Many people have lately shown great complacency and that is detrimental to our health. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at one time discouraged his people from putting on masks, he did not consider lockdowns or social distancing, but disaster struck his country that now has close to four million cases with more than 124 000 deaths so far. The health sector is in the middle of a crisis in that country with medical personnel dying in numbers as well. Therefore, it is imperative that we stay vigilant on public health issues if we are to remain in a less precarious state.

The following should be adhered to in the meantime:

lFace masks should always be worn in public places and this should remain mandatory. I have noted that a lot of people are roaming the streets especially in the high-density suburbs with no face masks. Face masks have been effective in containing the spread of the virus. Masks are for your health and not to evade arrest by law enforcement agents.

lSocial distancing should always be observed and gatherings that threaten to counter this measure should surely remain banned. The virus is there and heavily threatening to take a lot of lives. This is also a reminder that diabetics should be kept safe as my experience of the past days has shown that Covid-19 has very high affinity for diabetes. All my five companions who succumbed to this virus within the past month were diabetics. Let us take care of such patients.

Early testing and treatment is required. For those who suspect to have diabetes, please get an early glucose test so you remain alert.

lOther restrictions like lockdowns should remain in place. European countries rushed to lift lockdowns and celebrated too early. France, the UK and Italy are now experiencing a second wave of infections. At one time India removed restrictions only to wake up one day with an unbearable number of cases that are now threatening to decimate millions of people in that highly-populated country. South Africa went back and forth in terms of restrictions. It is the most affected and infected country in Africa with more than 628 000 cases and at least 14 400 deaths as of today. While many people may think that lockdowns are for political reasons in Zimbabwe, I personally think that such measures are for the benefit of the nation at large. We need a robust response to the pandemic considering that our health infrastructure is in a state of collapse. Health personnel has been on strike for more than 10 weeks so our only route of escape is prevention as treatment may be a mountain to climb.

Stay health. Observe all stipulated public health measures!

lDr Johannes Marisa is a medical practitioner and public health practitioner who writes in his own capacity. He can be accessed on [email protected].