We are going through a difficult phase in our lifetime. Who would have thought a miniscule creature, invisible to the naked eyes could lockdown the whole world? The implications of which are starting to affect not only health or mental health of individuals, but social, economic and spiritual dimensions of life. While we stay at home, practice social distancing and follow proper hygiene measures to prevent further spread of the disease, it is also incumbent on us to reflect and flourish, to be prepared and face the challenges ahead with an enlightened insight.
The COVID-19, a novel strain of virus from the family of corona virus, was first identified on January 7th 2020 as a source of illness in the city of Wuhan in China. The infection was traced to the sea market in Wuhan, which also sold live animals. Though the original source of COVID-19 virus is not identified, it is believed to have been transmitted from animal to human due to unsanitary conditions that prevailed in this Wuhan’s wet market. Within two weeks of time on January 30th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 virus a global emergency. This was mostly due to the rising fatality rates in China and the rate at which the disease was spreading. As of 25th March 2020, a report compiled by John Hopkins University found this contagion which spreads through medium of droplet when a person coughs or sneezes or close contact, to have affected around 177 countries, causing around 30,800 deaths and 600,000+ confirmed cases.
Bill Gates who is the co founder of Microsoft Corporation and is known for his efforts in global health advocacy, has warned us during a Ted Talk in the year 2015, that the world is not prepared for the next epidemic which is likely to be a virus outbreak. Bill’s notion for countries to invest in their health care systems rather than defense against possible nuclear wars did not gain momentum. This pandemic taught us to accentuate the need for primary health care and health promotion. Prevention by proper health education and awareness can bring down the disease burden and hence reduce health care spending. Currently there is an ongoing spike of positive cases even in advanced countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, the health care systems and its health workers are overwhelmed. There is a dearth of medical essentials like the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators.
The present situation also brings to the fore the importance of global health. How health in one corner of the world can transcend borders and affect people living on the other side of the globe. History has witnessed pandemics of this nature earlier, however the advancement of technology, opening up of trade routes, immigration and heightened globalization have facilitated this contagion to spread faster, relative to pandemics of the past. The significance of inculcating goal number three of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) passed by the United Nations which is “Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages’, is underscored more at this time.
Looking at the pandemic from economic standpoint, a capitalist system has failed to meet the needs of individuals during this grave crisis. The lockdown imposed by various administrations led to a lot of businesses to shut down. Apart from furloughing of employees and a surge in unemployment rates, this has stalled economies and the world started moving in a direction of global recession. The nature of economy is hugely dependent on the virus itself. If COVID-19 mutates and create new strains, it will entangle the existing situation. With social distancing which is essential at this juncture, employers are instructed to allow employees to work at home, if that is feasible. The lesser fortunate individuals remain unemployed. Either ways there is a potential to disconnect from the social world which takes us to a different tangent; the mental health and social dimension.
Much of the discussion about COVID-19 outbreak is centered around social distancing, limiting mobility and following proper hygiene. In the process, social gatherings of large numbers were banned, people were asked to reduce physical contacts by refraining from formal gestures such as handshakes. In midst of social distancing grows a widening trend of social recession. Human beings are social animals; isolation and loneliness can cause mental health challenges. This is applicable when an elderly of an old age home is deprived from family visits or a child is not allowed to play or learn with their classmates at school. It is particularly concerning in the western world where loneliness is a growing public health challenge. A study published by Cigna Insurance company in the year 2018, found nearly half of the population in United States suffers from loneliness, with particularly high rates among young and adults. This has worsened with the uncertainty and current environment of panic due to reports about COVID-19 outbreak. At this time, mental health professional predicts emergence of conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The ban on large gathering affected religious congregations at mosques, churches, temples, synagogues and other sacred institutions. This interfered with one’s spiritual component, perhaps at a time when it is needed the most. The outbreak and subsequent lockdown also made us reflect about many privileges which the Almighty bestowed on us, and gave us an opportunity to think about the lesser privileged who are living in war torn regions for months and years. People are not able to travel, meet for social gatherings or go out as often, irrespective of their economic or social status. This on the positive side, gives an opportunity to self introspect, learn and connect with God through meditation and prayers.
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity”. While we reflect, contemplate and flourish while distancing ourselves socially, it is also necessary for us to stay strong, help the vulnerable sections of the community like the elderly and disabled, follow all the precautions, and stay united to flatten the curve. Most importantly, take heed of the lessons what this pandemic taught us.
Good article.. God Bless 🙌🏼