Daily Times

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease believed to have erupted from Wuhan in China, which engulfed more than 250,000 lives within no time and paralysed life on the only planet. The WHO first announced this deadly outbreak as an epidemic when it hit China but when it made its way to Europe followed by the US, it was declared pandemic. However, the agency has now been accused of delaying to declare the outbreak a global pandemic. This enemy of humanity has belligerently attacked Europe and other leading economies that drive the world such as the US and China. Unlike the US, China tackled the situation quite well owing to the commitment and unity from both ends–public and government. Their model is an embodiment and flagship for the rest of the world. On the contrary, despite having all resources and state-of-the-art technologies, the US is struggling hard to contain this atrocious COVID-19, which is wreaking havoc of causalities unprecedented in the history of mankind. Its health system seems to be overwhelmed due to highest-ever reported positive cases. Healthcare facilities are experiencing an acute shortage of ventilators, masks and other PPEs.

At this juncture, let’s give it a thought! If the US, the UK and Europe, who claimed to have a modern health system, are in a strange conundrum, imagine what this monster can do to third world countries that are already deprived of basic healthcare facilities and less than average available budget. The massive population is another challenge. Initially, the world knew little about this menace and hence experienced serious implications. But third world countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka had enough time to learn from the mistakes of the US and Europe and proactive measures of the Republic of China where recovery rate is more than 90 per cent and out of 84,000 reported cases, more than 78,000 have been fully recovered. Other European countries such as Spain, France and Germany are witnessing hundreds of causalities daily along with Iran when its government brought back all their citizens, unlike Pakistan who took the sagacious decision at that interval to not repatriate Pakistani students despite huge pressure from public and bashing from media houses. Having said that, the abrupt decision of concerned authorities to release the pilgrims from Taftan border aggravated the situation. But simultaneously the public is also not blame-free. We can only defeat this through unity. Although its spread is inevitable, safety measures can surely be helpful to contain this menace. Thus, it’s a responsibility of citizens to cooperate with concerned authorities because the example of the western world is hovering around.

Despite having all resources and state-of-the-art technologies, the US is struggling hard to contain this atrocious COVID-19

In a similar vein, medical experts across the globe are in full swing to come up with a drug or vaccine to contain this deadly virus. It’s also a sigh of relief for Asian countries because research is being carried out at regular intervals and new strategies and measures are being proposed to boost up the immunity of the affected ones. There is no denying the fact that one day, very soon, we will find its cure and learn to contain it because relentless efforts are on the way to find out the way out – a silver lining. Fortunately, antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patient are believed to be helpful to fight the monstrous virus as per Dr Tahir Sultan Shamsi. Lab-grown antibodies are being developed by Regeneron–an American biotechnology company. According to the New York Institute of Technology, tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) could be potential for virus treatment. Similarly, hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial medication, is being tested to facilitate with quicker recovery. Malaria-endemic regions, as per the WHO, are less likely to be hit by the wrath of a deadly virus because malarial patients have already developed immunity to fight against coronavirus. Within a month or two, the world might get both vaccine and antiviral drugs. Chinese experiments are also offering support in combating the global pandemic.

Moreover, the age factor and immunity also play a pivotal role. Dietary habits and sound sleep can also be useful. Other studies have emanated great hopes that seasonal variations such as heat and humidity might reduce the activity of the virus. According to Dr Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to PM on Health, coronavirus spread and severity are different in different regions. Hope is there that its hold would slacken in summers.

At this juncture, despite limited resources in Pakistan, it’s the right time to give a tribute to our healthcare workers pursuing a war against brutal invaders of the human body. These workers are fighting against an invisible enemy and sacrificing their lives. I salute the bravery of Dr Osama Riaz, a British Pakistani nurse, Areema Nasreen (36), who died in the UK and all others providing support to this country in this paralysed situation. They are the real heroes and stars of their nations.

Traditionally, we have thrown ourselves at the mercy of others. Most in surroundings come up with an argument that it’s fine if some foreign help comes to us otherwise we can survive because of the power of faith. This is a wrong approach because along with the trust in Almighty, one should also tie the camel. The Iranian strategy to tackle COVID-19 in this regard is a conspicuous example for all of us.

However, on the other side of the spectrum, the incumbent crisis is a blessing in disguise and offers an opportunity to strengthen the dilapidated health system by imposing a health emergency. It’s the right time to invest more in the health sector and bring it to a level of state-of-the-art hospitals concerning quality services such as Shaukat Khanum, Agha Khan and Al-Shifa. All these share best practices in quality and patient safety and hold JCI certification. Unlike others, Shaukat Khanam is in full swing to provide its services to masses through education and awareness on social media. It has established a COVID-19 camp, isolation wards and is offering free testing for suspected patients. Hence, it’s a moral obligation for all the haves of society to make donations to save lives at this crucial time.

Similarly, our existing health system’s capacity to track and test the patients is limited; thousands of suspected unscreened ones are strolling around that have not been tested -not a good omen. Yuaval Noah Harari, a great historian has already warned the world about COVID-19 ramifications. He adds that decisions of concerned authorities will probably shape our health systems, economy and politics in the time of the biggest crisis of our generation. Therefore, it’s the right time to act before it’s too late. We should have our own mask making machines available on Ali Baba. Government should encourage the private sector to acquire and start mass production to get rid of shortage at the time of crisis. In a similar vein, steps should be taken to develop smart and portable ventilators. This will surely give a boost to our exports. To share the burden of hospitals in the light of the current situation, primary clinics at particular locations should be established for initial screening then to the hospital. District Administrations have decided to establish tele-clinics for the provision of modern treatment to citizens -a good omen. There are many initiatives and lesson learnt that concerned authorities could opt to turn the tide in its favour.

No doubt, Prime Minister Imran Khan is striving hard and put relentless efforts to stop its spread but he needs to lead from the front and take the bull by its horns like he did in case of Shaukat Khanum. Undoubtedly, this storm will pass; most of us will survive but will inhabit a different world. We shouldn’t forget that it’s a National Hazard that should be dealt with national spirits.

The writer is a young professional who works as the Health Safety & Environment Officer in Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH & RC). He holds a degree in MPhil Environmental Science from GC University, Lahore. He writes on burning issues and has been involved in various projects and can be reached at haider-92live.com