ITS EITHER I CALL OR DIE

Numbers do not lie as the world still remains sceptical in the fight against the novel Corona Virus pandemic as it seems the battle will soon become a big mental health disaster.

In trying to seek health assistance experts encourage their clients who visit the clinics and hospitals to test for COVID-19 upon mention such is welcomed with mixed feelings.

While mortality rate per day is no longer been taken as a hoax in that funeral parlours panic in profit in fattening their returns at the expense of the bereaved negotiating for space to escort the deceased to their resting place as they wait for the return of the Lord.

Hence, Independent Communication Consultant Chola Lungu notes that having toll free line services will help to provide counselling for those who intend to test for COVID-19 and those who have been found positive preparing their minds with greater understanding.  

Ms Lungu hopes that for as long as the Ministry of Health with other stakeholders invest in such an initiative it will curb mental health issues that affect individuals.

Although the public service announcements are made consistently by the media while others dine and wine in ignorance without obeying the five golden rules the information gap remains enormous.

However, clearing off the myths and misconceptions that have been spread by uninformed individuals to average meaningful citizens in society has proved to be a psychological war that needs to be taken into account before the human population is alleviated without hope for descendants.

Taking a tour of the health centre, the reality on the ground is overwhelmed as patients hope to recover despite being placed in an intensive care unit in isolation.

In an exclusive interview, University Teaching Hospital Senior Medical Health Officer Dr Oliver Kaoma explains that the need for counselling must be taken into consideration in that the psychological effects of the testing that it has among those who are not well informed about the pandemic is huge especially to those who are found positive.

He emphasises the need for increased health education to the general public and the willingness for psychiatrists to offer counsel to those who intend to test for COVID. 

Meanwhile, some residents of Lusaka who have undergone a COVID-19 test before raise eyebrows often when they are attended to claiming of the effect and pain they experience afterwards.

But Dr Kaoma urges those who have other health conditions not to shun going for COVID-19 testing as a way to protect their lives.

The use of technology to disseminate information is key while such important recommendations are made in overcoming the giant that has claimed lives more than the two world wars combined in history.https://twitter.com/tweet_lulu348