Covid-19 continues to strike the world with average daily deaths of about 14 000, a figure which is worrisome considering that other chronic medical conditions are still causing high mortality.
by Dr Johannes Marisa
We should not forget that cancer is still a nuisance, heart attack is still claiming many lives while diabetes and hypertension are a menace.
Tropical diseases like malaria and tuberculosis should not be forgotten. Diseases like typhoid and malaria can surely be confused with Covid-19 infection as about 80% of the common infections are similar.
It is, therefore, important for medical staff not to forget about such conditions especially during hot and rainy seasons. Tuberculosis and asthma should be remembered as in complicated cases, there may be cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and weakness which are also synonymous with Covid-19. We, therefore, need more testing for Covid-19 so that we have a clearer picture of the situation on the ground.
Many people seem to be getting impatient with Covid-19 control measures with wearing of masks now being ignored in many suburbs. Social distancing is now being ignored while lockdowns are defied by many. The demand for sanitisers has just gone down as many people feel that Covid-19 has just disappeared.
But is it true that we should now relax because the coronavirus is now gone? Are we now supposed to pursue our normal lives because Covid-19 is less talked about now? Do we beat our chests because we remain standing despite all our relatives and friends who have succumbed to the virus? The answer is Covid-19 is still wreaking massive havoc in the world and if we become complacent, we may be wiped out in no time.
It may sound good to hear that South Africa is re-opening its borders to international travellers beginning tomorrow. That is good for business to be viable, but we should keep a closer eye on the possible medical effects. After the festive season, Zimbabwe was hit by a vicious second wave which almost overran our health delivery system with an unprecedented number of deaths that shook the nation. Many prominent and high-ranking people succumbed to the deadly virus and the list is endless. The country lost a dedicated cadre, Foreign Affairs, Sibusiso Moyo, the man who was admired by many for his eloquence and diligence. May his soul rest in eternal peace! If the borders are to be opened this week, this is the time to be very much alert about another possible strike rising from the south. The government should make sure there is controlled movement of people into our country.
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While we appreciate that South Africa is now recording less than 4 000 cases daily, this may not be truly reflective of the national situation as testing has not been as robust as expected in that country. The ministry of Health should make sure that public health measures are adhered to especially in border towns. Covid-19 is there and it has never gone away. What has actually gone away from us are our friends and relatives who lost their precious lives. Let us remain vigilant in our country.
Globally, events on the ground show a pathetic situation with cases being constantly high. Of significance is that daily incidence and mortality are lowest on Sundays, which may signal that God is communicating with us somehow. Prayer is very important and the world can be easily saved if we all kneel down and pray.
In May 2020, it took four days for the number of cases to reach 100 000, but now four days give a total of more than two million cases. It took three days in April to record 10 000 deaths from Covid-19, but in February 2021, three days give a mortality of more than 42 000.
More and more people continue to lose their lives and for countries like the USA, UK, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Russia, life has not been easy for citizens as hospitals are battling with cases.
It is a pity that the USA has lost close to 500 000 people, a figure higher than all the Americans who died during the Second World War of 1939-45.
About 420 000 Americans died during that six-year war.
All these deaths are happening despite the sophisticated machinery, hospital equipment and specialised staff that has been at the forefront of medical research since time immemorial. Great minds in the medical field have been lost and many will still depart from us as long as we do not work hard to contain the virus.
It is true that for the past three weeks, Zimbabwe, like many southern African countries, has witnessed a drastic reduction of cases. The epidemiological curve seems flattening and the daily mortality has been reducing. The positivity rate has been constantly below 10% for the past two weeks, a sign that we are in the right direction.
However, Covid-19 is still a menace. Keep yourself safe!
