Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

COVID-19 HANDLING: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNT?

By Kenneth Dlamini | 2020-11-01

The latest reports in most countries indicate a surge in the coronavirus figures, which has understandably caused fears and panic over an impending second wave.

Most of these countries have done well to put measures in place in trying to avoid a second wave – which health experts have told us it is normally more devastating than the first outbreak.

A number of European countries and the United States of America are already experiencing resurgence in COVID-19 cases after doing well in controlling the novel coronavirus early this year.

These countries are reporting more cases each day than there were during the first spike – which is worrisome.

This has obviously put the countries on high alert as the COVID-19 figures and death toll continue to rise.

We know the strain that the world has come under over the past few months due to the devastating virus.

But, it’s not only overseas countries we are concerned about, as even closer home – South Africa, to be specific – there are reports of increased new cases, which has also caused fears of a second wave.

In fact, similar reports have surfaced in other African countries, including Kenya, thus the warnings from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to brace for a second wave.

This then begs the question – how prepared is Eswatini for the second wave? Perhaps, the best way to answer that question is to start by acknowledging the concerted efforts witnessed by government in fighting the virus and thus helping in turning the curve.

It has been a real fight carried forward by the Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini-led government in doing all it can to protect Emaswati from the coronavirus that was threatening to wipe the nation off.

At one point in time it looked like the nation was losing the fight, however, thanks to the excellent policies and strategies put in place things have significantly improved in recent months.

Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi has been the beacon of light in what has been a very difficult COVID-19 fight for the country.

Nkosi did extremely well in keeping the nation abreast with the ever-changing COVID-19 definitions; hence in all analysis, you have to say the country has done enormously well to contain the virus.

The fact that we are talking about a drastic decline in positive cases bears testament to the efforts put by government.

We have not reached 6 000 on the total number of recorded cases. In fact, it’s still a small wonder how government managed to bring the figures under control after initially looking bleak.

Milestone

Furthermore, the fact that currently we have lost 117 people (we know a life lost is one too many) due to COVID-19 deaths is also another milestone that needs to be celebrated by the country.

Of course, we are aware that these statistics may not be too accurate, considering some deaths did not occur at health facilities. But, how we have managed to keep the figure at this low is a miracle to me.

At its peak it looked like the virus was going to kill thousands in the country. However, thanks to the efforts of government and its international partners we did well to save the nation.

For me, none of these efforts supersede the role played by Minister Nkosi, who was recently honoured by Eswatini Customer Service Excellence Awards 2020 for her sterling role in the COVID-19 fight.

I have to say there couldn’t have been a better recipient of that award than Minister Nkosi. She worked her socks off for the country and no minister, past and present could claim to have done more than the minister of health during these trying times.

At one point you could tell the strain of the disease had taken its toll on her face but she did not let her guard down.

During those times you couldn’t help but wonder if Minister Nkosi had a family, a husband for that matter – if she does then, he must be an understanding companion. The man literally didn’t have a wife the past months as the virus ravaged the kingdom.

The minister also had to self-isolate after one of her officers tested positive for COVID-19 while in the line of duty.

However, she refused to allow the virus to distract her from her focus, as sooner than later she was back on duty.

She soldiered on and took the COVID-19 fight by the scruff of the neck; hence we have significantly reduced infections.

However, the plaudits aside, Minister Nkosi knows better than anyone else that the real fight is the second wave. With talks of a vaccine still wishy-washy, obviously we have to strengthen on preventative measures.

No matter how well she has fared in handling the first wave but she cannot afford to rest on her laurels. In short, we may have won the battle but the war is still definitely on.

History will judge the current government harshly should we do well in handling the first spike then dismally fail to deal with the second wave. So, it is important that with the relaxed conditions the country must guard against complacency. By complacency I’m referring to a lot of unwanted behaviours that may result in the surge of new cases.

We know almost all sanctions that had previously been imposed in most sectors have been relaxed by government. Of course, this does not in any way suggest that the virus is gone for good. Last week the prime minister allowed the resale of alcoholic beverages for the first time since July.

Of course, while a large percentage of the country supported the move to allow imbibers to have their favourite drinks, we hope this can be done responsibly.

With the festive season fast approaching, we can also hope and pray people will handle themselves well and avoid the spread of new cases. One thing we hope does not happen is to suddenly see a spike in new cases, thus confirming the PM’s worst fears that opening alcoholic beverages could be the door to opening the virus.

However, again, we hope the PM and his Cabinet are not sitting in their swiveling chairs and trying to find fault in alcohol.

I believe there’s more the country should be doing right now in order to prepare itself for an impending second wave.

Obviously, we have to use the lessons learned from the first wave, which caught everyone completely off guard. But now there won’t be any excuses entertained for lack of knowledge.

The mistakes we committed should be used in forging a way forward in terms of handling the virus better this time around.

We know, for instance, the health system was at one point overwhelmed but have we learned our lesson.

The health personnel should be commended for a sterling job overall, however, have they learned lessons?

They committed a lot of blunders, which was none of their fault of course due the virus being new to everyone, but none was more cardinal than going on strike in the midst of the pandemic.

To me, that’s unforgivable no matter the seriousness of the matter. This should never have happened and we can forgive them but will certainly never forget such a dereliction of duty.

We hope prime in their minds will always be that Florence Nightingale pledge that every nurses swears by it upon choosing the profession. Of course, that’s if they still choose the profession.

I end here.

share story