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The movement for globalization is shaking and needs a second thought after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Every Country is struggling to remove the peg from its eye or better still contain the virus with all the necessary strength it has. This global emergency crisis could take the world 3 steps back since it is healthy people who build nations. Since the detection of the first case on 17th November 2019, a total of about 98, 192 cases have been confirmed globally according to the World Health Organization (WHO). China, where the outbreak started has recorded about 80,711 cases with accompanied 3,045 deaths as of 6th March 2020. Data available as of 6th March indicates a total of 17,481 cases were recorded outside China with a related 3,045 deaths as of 6th March (WHO). This situation has compelled several nations to close their borders to their neighbours confirming American’s President Donald Trump’s position that the future belongs to the patriots and not the globalists.
There is no doubt about the economic stirred this virus has created which needs appropriate economic alertness by governments of the day especially the developing countries. Instead of seeing the situation as a means of economic distress, I encouraged all current leaders to feed on the then leader of the Republic of Ghana’s (Achampong) policy “Operation feed yourselves and your industries”. Every developing country including Ghana should seize this litmus test opportunity and support local businesses to produce and feed its citizens instead of looking helpless for support at this troubled time which will never come.
The way forward to arrest this pandemic comes with several opportunity costs and the tooth must chew with caution. There are 3 ways of dealing with the problem according to world researchers which other countries have already taken the lead. The remedial strategies are:
• Suppression – It involves the interruption of the chain of transmission. It simply means stop the epidemic transmission process and it is the approach the Chines are currently using which has lowered the incidence rate in China. This approach is not a long-lasting measure because the situation could bounce back when the epidemic is over and make things worst anytime there is a single case detection in China which could be likely because of the size of the Chinese market. There is no immunity as herd immunity could be of help as a long term measure. Other countries including Ghana have adopted this approach.
• Mitigation- This approach admitted the COVID-19 cannot be stopped but slowing the incidence rate to prevent massive peak is the ideal thing to do. The approach protects those most at high risk of severe diseases. This strategy is what the UK also adopted. The approach has been widely criticized because there is a greater possibility of high prevalence and mortality rates. Mitigation though has a negative side but is a lasting strategy because when majority of the people acquired the virus and later recovered, they will develop immunity and those who were fortunate and didn’t get the virus will get some level of protection from the affected population (herd immunity).
• The last strategy is “do nothing “. In this case let the virus rip through the population. During my analysis, I have not yet come across any of the infected countries who have adopted this approach.
Lastly, before I take my rest, viruses have been very tormenting to the world and anytime there is a viral outbreak, it is always accompanied by fear and panic. Come to think about the damages of Ebola, H1N1, ZIKA, HIV and now COVID-19. This is because viruses are sensitive and it is always challenging to control the situation as it can be seen with the COVID-19. There are still several experiments going on in our laboratories in an attempt to find vaccines to the situation. With the available advance technology, much attention should be given to the study of viruses to make the world a better place.
The writer:
Joshua Amaami Akuu
University of Technology, Sydney.
