COVID-19 Pandemic And The Journey So Far

By Sampson Uhuegbu

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronavirus, Also known as Covid-19 is a type of virus that infects human, typically leading to an upper respiratory infection.

Its first outbreak was reported in December 2019 when cases of origin were confirmed in Wuhan, China. It became a nightmare to virtually all countries of the world as scientists who had been on a round-the-clock research towards finding a cure to the virus but their efforts are proved medically abortive.

According to the WHO, more than 333,212 people have been killed by the novel virus; while over 5,107 572 are currently infected with the COVID-19.

For now, there is no known cure for the virus in spite of the frantic efforts being resiliently made by Health specialists and Trado- medical experts in finding an everlasting end to the ravaging pandemic which increased in the past.

Republic of Madagascar, one of the developing countries in the African Continent, had officially pronounced that it manufactured herbal drugs which according to them, is a panacea to the Coronavirus. Even the President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina spoke in strong terms about the brownish liquid drug and recommended it to other sister countries for the treatment of the deadly disease.

Thanks be to God Almighty that Nigeria particularly is gradually overcoming the pandemic. Immediately the lockdown was lifted by President Muhammadu Buhari, things started bouncing back to nomalcy.

In times like these, countries should embrace unity. Diplomatic relationships should be strengthened amongst continents; while peaceful co- existence should be fostered. Warring advances among countries should be discouraged because the first measure to be taken towards fighting this world’s greatest scourge is UNITY. Ironically, living in dichotomy, bitterness, backbiting, acrimony and rancour could be dangerous to the contributive move towards combatting against the Covid-19 virus.

According to statistics by the World Health Organization in conjunction with the Centre for Disease Control since December 3, 2019 and as of May, 2020, states that there was 4, 308, 809 cases of the Covid- 19 with 296,680 deaths; while 1,493, 414: victims recovered.

Also, there are countries that were said to never recorded any case of the killer virus and they are: Australia, North Korea, Losetho, Palau, Kiribati, Samoa, Naura, Marsha Islands, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Turkmenistan but sadly, the Covid-19 hit them.

Therefore, these times of Covid- 19 pandemic should not be regarded as politically- induced pranks.It is time to face realities of life and dig deep into finding a solution to unravel the mystery behind the strange affliction that has befallen us. No doubt, since outbreak of the pandemic, we must have learnt lessons that could be futuristically beneficial to us in unique ways which makes impacting meanings in our live.

Presidents of developing African countries should have realized that the hospitals across their regions should be upgraded and equipped with state- of- the- arts medical equipments which in turn would enhance the general wellbeing of the African citizenship.It is glaring that they rely heavily on medical care in the European countries like London, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Poland, Iceland, Hungary, etcetera. while the health institutions in their domains continue to suffer set- back as a result of negligence and undeserved poor maintenance culture.

Federal Ministers, State Governors, Senators, House of Representatives Members, State Lawmakers, Local Government Executive Chairmen, Ward Councillors, Traditional Rulers have the resources to travel out of the country to other part of world for academic, business and medical related reasons- while the indigent ones wallow in abject penury because of bribery and corruption that have bedeviled the country.

In Nigeria, the negative effects of the coronavirus are felt by her citizens who are not enjoying the much- needed gains of democracy they deserve from their elected leaders who were restlessly moving from house to house during the electioneering and campaign times in a bid to win their votes.

In Nigeria, the pandemic can be said to be a blessing in disguise because it broadened the horizons of many who could not fathom the possibilities in impossibilities and utilize them for their common good. Is it not astonishing that many Nigerians embarked on production of Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, face Masks, Liquid soap, Air freshener and others. Regular Hand wash which the World Health Organization had been emphasizing as a sure way to a healthy living, has now been adopted by every family in Nigeria vis-à-vis across the globe. Not only that, many people turned prayer warriors because of the horrible times occasioned by the virus.

Therefore, It taught people on the efficacy of prayer and supremacy of God.

Federal Government of Nigeria recently started giving its citizens second dose of the vaccines. Few people have been jabbed; while many are sceptical over the quality of the AstraZeneca even those that summoned courage to be vaccinated were lately gripped by fear over the unconfirmed news that they would die in the next two years.

Recall, that the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Health said the vaccines were certified and approved by them and that Nigerians should not entertain fears over the AstraZeneca vaccines.

It is advisable to continue to always wear facemask and stick to all Personal Protective Equipments such gloves, face shields and others.

We should bear it in mind that the Coronavirus has come, seen, but could not be possibly conquered because of its complications cum millions of lives it has claimed so far.

To those that lost their loved ones to the cold hands of Covid- 19, be consoled and pull yourselves together while waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as promised.