COVID is not myth, it is reality
THERE are hundreds of conspiracy theories regarding COVID pandemic but after global lockdown with more than 147million infected cases and three million deaths, it is time to please accept this virus as a reality.
Developed countries managed the health system and also protected their economies by facilitating the masses from poverty and hunger.
Now, majority of the developed countries have managed the situation with the support of their people in following the SOPs and providing vaccine to the majority.
They are now in the stage of revival of economic activities and it is expected to trigger normal life, with proper following of SOPs.
On the other side, we have a major portion of underdeveloped world where the life is very much different.
There is high population density, illiteracy, poor health and physical infrastructure, and state is unable to convince the masses regarding any good or bad situation.
In Pakistan, general public is still convinced that COVID is myth and they have variety of conspiracy theories in terms of religious factors, 5G technologies, west agenda, control on beliefs, global politics, 4th industrial revolution, etc.
But state is unable to convince their people for addressing these mysteries and to follow SOPs which is very distressing in managing the pandemic.
This is very alarming situation for us and it is appropriate time to rethink that if people are not following state instruction regarding mask wearing and maintaining social distance, how they will be the part of state in the tough time for some sort of harsh decisions.
We, as a nation, should develop some ethical and civic guidelines for the public and charismatic leadership is desired for this task.
In such situations, response to conspiracy theories is the success of state and the implementation of decisions. This is very tinny step but it will contribute a lot in the life of nations.
Unluckily, we as a nation performed poorly in handling this pandemic and state has streamed the message of COVID SOPs via electronic/print media and through state institutions but the followers are not in numbers but in fractions.
If police and army is called on to force the people for wearing a mask for their safety, then everyone can gauge the level of responsibility and the control of state.
Even situation in India is enough to open our eyes all the communities and state representatives, we still have the chance to be the active members for wellbeing of our homeland.
Every citizen is equally responsible and can ask anyone for wearing the mask and social distancing because it is not only the responsibility of police and army.
Such type of responsibility is the key to safe, secure and prosper the country by showing exemplary role in tough times.
After observing critical situation for last one year, we still have not designed any concrete strategy for revival of educational, economic and religious activities.
Even state can take some hard decision for ensuring mask and social distancing for everyone irrespective of status, gender and age.
Secondly, there is dire need to spare some of the resources for purchase of vaccine and spread the message at all levels that expenditures on vaccine are not burden on the economy but it is an investment in the economy.
Majority of the countries have vaccinated more than 30% of their population and this number is only 0.6% in Pakistan, which is among the lowest in the world.
If our state is convinced that after SOPs, the best solution is provision of vaccine for the safety and revival of economy as this can help in promotion of economic activities which will further secure the poor and vulnerable people from hunger and mental stress by generating employment at all levels.
Currently, state should chalk out some best practices for the provision of vaccine for everyone at subsidized rates for inclusive provision for everyone.
If they allow private partners to import and sale, then there is again discrimination based on income and region.
As per international practice, more than 90% countries have provided the vaccine by public sector.
Provision of vaccine through private sector can’t ensure safety and economic recovery because COVID is following the rule of “no one is safe, until everyone is safe”.
We can’t launch any abrupt decision for the control of virus but a team of technical experts, policy makers, economists and politicians should sit to-gather for designing inclusive decision for ensuring the access to vaccine for everyone, irrespective of age, gender and geography.
Such sort of decisions will enhance the confidence of private sector and general public on state for sustainability and prosperity in the long run.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Gujrat.
