On the today’s guest column The Ethiopian Herald has come up with a medical doctor to discuss the current issues. Today’s Guest is Dr. Lamessa Kumera. He is General Practitioner at Ras Desta Damtew Hospital, Executive Committee of Oromia Physician Association, and Waliif Health Care Share Company Board Member. The Ethiopian Herald had a while with Dr. Lamessa Kumera on COVID-19 disease. Excerpts:
Herald: Some studies show the significances of BCG vaccination to resist COVID-19, what is your take on that?
Dr. Lamessa: Frankly speaking, I did see that research finding. But we don’t have to rely on that because there are countries which had BCG vaccination but attacked by the virus badly. Iran is among these countries. We can raise that as a hypothesis. But I didn’t find that as an ample research finding. The other issue is related with the weather. Obviously, humid weather could limit the transmission of the virus but the Ethiopian summer season is due to ensue which is the coldest weather in the country. That could create a fast transmission of the virus.
Herald: Could our young population lessen the burden of COVID- 19?
Dr. Lamessa: Since African life expectancy is low; we can’t find much aged society like the trend in developed countries. Even though, we have a small sized old population, it doesn’t mean that youths couldn’t catch the virus. But the fatality rate could decrease. Though we don’t have aged society, subSaharan countries are highly affected by comorbid diseases like diabetes, and cancer. The main issue with aged society is that their body cannot resist diseases easily as their immunity system is low due to various reasons. Diabetes might be among the reasons. Recent studies show sub-Saharan countries are among the highly affected countries by diabetes and blood pressure. So, these could easily increase the fatalities rates of the virus.
Herald: Are we taking care to the expected level?
Dr. Lamessa: Definitely, I would say no. To begin with our physicians do not have ample equipment to treat patients. In addition, countries are facilitating everything to keep physicians at hospitals. But here, the normal trend is going on. Professionals are taking the virus home. There has to be isolations for the physicians who work in this area.
They come from and go to home as usual; they use mass transportation brushing sides with the public. So, this is among the challenges regarding the professionals. At the same time, the culture of our society is not conducive to combat this disease. As you know, citizens attach significance to socialization in their daily activities. Adding to that, most of them must work for their daily bread.
If you see Addis, there is a bit change but things have continued as usual. Due to the country’s economic issue, we can’t keep everyone at home but we have to create more awareness so that people apply social distancing. They have to take care of one to another.The government should use community service like Idir, Equb, Kebele, Woredas, among others, to distribute needed equipment and create more awareness about the disease.
Herald: Some countries are controlling the expansion of COVID-19, how do you assess Ethiopia’s move in learning from such approaches?
Dr. Lamessa: In China, there is a good hierarchy from the top to bottom. They have a good culture of translating into action what has been implemented on the top level. But here, we don’t have that network. Nevertheless, government can use the Abba Gadaas, community leaders, Idir, Equb, Qeerroos, Fanos, and other available associations to control the spread of the virus. We have to create strong chain in everything. Ministry of Health should work in collaboration with regional health bureaus. In other ways, the declarations and regulations should consider the realities of the country’s economy. Currently, what the religious fathers are doing is very appreciable. We have to continue that in advance. Together, we have to fight this virus so that we can eliminate it soon.
Herald: Some people entertain apprehension instead of caring, what has to be done?
Dr. Lamessa: Buckling under continual fear has serious health consequences. Fear fades our immune system so that our body can’t fight any disease. Fear leads to faster ageing and even premature death. Fear is not advisable in such situation but we have to care instead. Currently, I see people are giving up instead of applying and following the guidance given from the government and physicians. Too much fear leads to disobedience which is worse.
Fear kills our immune system and change behaviors. Recently, WHO has announced sleeping, physical exercise, rest, and health nutrition are key in building our immune system. But if one is afraid one cannot do all these things. So, easily one chance of catching the lethal virus is high. If we want the virus to end soon, we have to fear not. Instead, we have to observe precautionary measures recommended by the government and physicians and keep social distancing. According to WHO, heath includes spiritual aspects too.
As a physician, I would like to advise people to adhere to faith. I want them to build their faith on what they believe. Trusting in God strengthens our flesh and help us to stay strong. Hope and trust in God area great medicines we can’t find anywhere. While in this tragic episode, I want people to read Holy Bible and Holy Quran to build their faith and hope.
Viewing unnecessary and incorrect information from different websites about the virus will rather escalate unnecessary, fear and negative attitude that we have towards the virus. Following the guidelines from the Ministry of Health and doing what is expected form us is essential to protect ourselves from the pandemic, rather than shaking allover. So, fear is not a solution, fear is a dangerous weapon which could lead to the worst. Finally, I would like to say fear not but care.
The Ethiopian Herald April 12/2020
BY AMBO MEKASA
