We welcomed the year 2020 with very high
hopes, marching in great strength and zeal. We charted a course to
explore the new year. The news on Coronavirus started trickling in
December 2019 and we hoped that it would be managed till when it fizzles
out. My heart goes out to people in Italy, China, Spain and even here
in the US; one of the hardest hit countries in the world, where most
have lost their means of livelihood and loved ones to the pandemic.
As the world battle the novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in almost all the countries, I’m distraught at
the level of fatality caused by this contagion. The pandemic has created
a semblance of war, the uncertainty and chaos everywhere in the world,
have made governments to face the daunting task of trying to save lives,
at the same time hoping to salvage the economy. In fact, it has been a
long time since mankind has been faced with this kind of pressure, which
has unsettled world leaders.
It is worrisome to come to terms with
the fact that most developed countries are running out of ideas on the
challenges Covid 19 pose on healthcare and the economy. Despite my full
grasp of the sophisticated health care system in the USA, I daresay that
it struggles under the weight of this scourge. Unfortunately, as I
write here, a vaccine is yet to be developed and certified to quell this
rampaging and destructive contagion which has infected over 1m people
across the globe.
I am immensely disturbed concerning the
fate of my people in Africa. Unfortunately for me, due to flight
restrictions occasioned by the lockdown order here in Nevada, some parts
of America and even in my homeland, Nigeria, I am unable to be with my
people in this trying and nerve-wracking period. I feel for our people
and fear that a state of hopelessness could pervade the polity. It is my
utmost wish to be in Nigeria, in body and spirit and to be with my
people at this trying time. I feel it is a set time for me to give hope
in my own little way, to offer professional advice where necessary and
to provide a veritable guide in cases of emergencies.
As I write this piece, I am indoors here
in America observing the do’s and dont’s of staying safe. I urge
everyone to do the same and to be wary of taking this pandemic for
granted. As an expert in the medical field, it is most advisable that we
adhere strictly to government directives and medical instructions to
safeguard our lives. This is the only known solution to escape the wrath
of this contagion, at least for now.
The age-long hygiene practices of
regular hand washing, coupled with the use of sanitizers must be
maintained. People must endeavor to cough or sneeze in their elbows,
handkerchief and toilet tissues.
I must at this juncture commend the
efforts made by the Federal Government of Nigeria and State Governments
to contain this contagion. I would encourage improvement where there are
noticeable lapses. Similarly, I am particularly pleased by the firmness
and professionalism with which the Lagos State Government is tackling
this challenge head on. This true and empathetic leadership is worthy of
emulation. Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has proven his mettle and has
etched his name in gold as a defender of what is best for the people. It
is also important not to dismiss the efforts of the Ministry of health,
ably led by Dr Osagie Ehanire, and the dogged and indefatigable Dr
Chikwe Ihekwuazu of the NCDC. These men are working tirelessly with
other government agencies and taskforce to see that Covid-19 is kept at
bay. You all have shown that with the right support we can tackle any
challenge that rears its face. Even though it would appear that our
efforts to contain this contagion is belated, we are taking giant
strides.
It also gladdens my heart that Anambra
is not left open without the barricades of governance. The efforts of
the State Government led by Chief Willie Obiano is commendable. The
Governor has taken steps to ameliorate the suffering of Anambrarians who
bear the pain of the lockdown. I am aware that Governor Obiano has been
very proactive in delivering a state of the art isolation centre in
Onitsha ,adjudged one of the bests in the country. He has also provided
surge centres at Mbaukwu and other parts of the state.These are all
steps in the right direction.
I must also commend all the donors who
are giving out of their wealth,investments and mite in order to push
this malaise out of the country.I must encourage others to join the
train. The manner in which the private sector rallied round government
in the fight against Covid-19 is laudable. It is a proof that we can
actually unite and whenever we do, we have always defeated our common
enemy.
On my own, I have decided to reach out
through my foundation and other credible platforms. I will support as
much people as possible, and help reduce the burden of their suffering
during this difficult and challenging time. In the coming days, I will
touch the lives of a greater number of our people who are in need,
because I understand the urgencies for the needed support, the anxieties
of the people and their immobility at this time. We will coordinate it
in ways that do not jeopardise the safety guidelines put together by
medical experts and government.
This state of hopelessness in the health
sector of our country has motivated me to construct a world class
medical research institute at Umuchukwu, knowing full well that no
medicine is worth its name without research anywhere in the world. The
medical institute will go a long way in providing the needed
infrastructure in the state while creating an enabling environment for
the grooming of experts in the healthcare sector.I am glad that the
medical research institute is nearing completion. I am also positive
that on completion, this institute will provide a good lease of life for
people of my state and my country.
This is neither a time for politics nor
to trivialize issues, but a time that calls for sober reflection and
demands support to our leaders, in their quest to care for the sick and
the weak in our society. This is also the time to unite and forge a
front to defeat this common enemy; Covid-19.
Despite the gloom and the anxieties that
has borne fatalities and doom, there is still hope for mankind.
Recently, Wuhan in China, a place first hit by the deadly virus is
beginning to bounce back to social and economic life. Italy and Spain;
countries which had the highest share of fatalities seem to be
witnessing a sharp drop in the number of deaths and new cases.
We are hoping to see the curve of the
spread flatten in the United States of America. Moreso, I’m glad that
the survival rate here in Nigeria and in most African countries, are
quite high. Infected persons who have recovered are being discharged in
droves while compliance to measures meant to curb the contagion is
gaining traction through a collective strategy of information
dissemination and governance.
Therefore, the novel Coronavirus is not a
death sentence, we must not allow fear to take over our lives. I must
encourage Africans-in-Diaspora who returned from countries where this
contagion is prevalent to obey Government directives on Self- Isolation,
as this will help to a very large extent, to curb the spread among
loved ones, and curtail large scale community transmission.I daresay
that with the right attitude, the novel Coronavirus is defeatable. If we
do the right thing, the country will be up and running in a couple of
weeks.
There are lessons to reflect upon from
this scourge and when the lessons are rightfully implemented, it has the
potential capacity to usher in positive developments in our country.
It has dawned on us that there is the
need to strengthen our healthcare system. There is no doubt that
healthcare is intricately linked to a working and robust national
economy. We need to create measures that will fortify our healthcare
system for this kind of shock and other kinds of shocks to lives and the
economy.
We also need to improve on our database.
Adequate database would have helped in contact tracing and even in the
distribution of all the welfare packages to citizens at this time.
We must also strengthen our educational
infrastructures. We must be deliberate in our effort to raise acclaimed
researchers who can help with homegrown solutions at a time like this.
This depression has also engendered an
inventiveness in our people. It has led to the rise of so many cottage
industries which can be harnessed in our SME programmes. In order to
cushion the expected Post-Corona doldrums and gross unemployment in the
economy, government should systematically invest in the Small and Medium
scale ventures of our people.
The lessons learnt from this global
shock must be localised and be translated into tangible and systemic
changes for the betterment of our people. It has shown us the things
that are important for all mankind to thrive and live long and fulfilled
lives. We must take up the gauntlet of the daunting responsibilities
foisted upon us as leaders in different spheres to make life better for
the people.
Now is the time to stand with our people.
Dr. Godwin Maduka, a medical doctor, writes from Las Vegas, United States of America
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