USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO DYMISTIFY MYTHS ON THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN AFRICA

 

Today as I sit in front of this laptop,  I make a choice, and  intentionally decide to help all those who will access this information so that he/she can make the right decision on promoting clarification of how the covid-19 is spread, and the management or prevention of COVID-19 spread within the family or community. This will strengthen the cellphone communication I have made with leaders of women in our community , and women at cornerstone education center on clarifying how CVOD-19 can be spread and prevented.

It is disturbing  that with the spread of Covid-19, there are increasing myths among some people that a certain category of people are immune to the infection from virus.  I would like to use this technology to counter false information that people are communicating to mislead others as the world wrestles with Covid-19. The impact is immense, all attempts must e made by leaders, including me to pass on the right and helpful information to enhance prevention and promote effective management of the virus in our communities in Africa.  Therefore it is our duty to correct false information circulating on social media, as this will negatively impact women who are more than 70% of community population.

African skin and blood

Social media messages are being spread around that the blood and skin of African, the tropical climate of Africa, particularly the equatorial hot and humid temperatures cannot allow the virus to survive. While this has no scientific justification or explanation whatsoever, false information is reaching many more people that it would have in the past when we did not have cellphones and internet.

Acohol cures

Others were circulating on social media messages saying that taking alcohol protects one from infection from Covid-19. it is good for people to look out for facts before communicating to the world as people struggle with the impact of the virus. getting facts informs people's decision  making on facts, prevention, care and management of Covid-19. virus.  CDC, (2020) gives some guidelines on other options of cleaning and disinfecting which includes mention of alcohol, but in the following context;

Diluting your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix:

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR

4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Alcohol solutions. Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.

Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants. Products with EPA-approved claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s.

Social-distancing cannot be achieved in Africa

Information is power and once people have access to information, it is possible to influence their attitude towards something. In this case with a positive attitude towards information that is relayed to leaders of women groups, government ministries and churches, many people, including African women and their families can gradually adapt to a social behavior that people were not used to. They can stop handshake, but express greetings and wanting to know how families, farms, businesses are doing in communities. With an infected person in family or community, care and support while observing-social distancing protects all others from catching the infection. It is good to understand that in the face of COVID-19, social distancing in Africa does not translate to pride, being rude, showing off, uncaring attitude, distinguishing your social location from others, or avoiding to help people. It is simply caring and loving enough to protect loved ones from catching the covid -19 from the infected person.

Facemasks are irrelevant or alternatives still work

There are media circulations of people who claim that facemasks do not help prevent the virus. Others say big leaves in communities could be tied around the nose and mouth and serve as masks.

        …masks are effective at capturing droplets, which is a main transmission        route of coronavirus, and some studies have estimated a roughly fivefold protection versus no barrier alone (although others have found lower levels       of effectiveness).If you are likely to be in close contact with someone      infected, a mask cuts the chance of the disease being passed on. If you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, or have been diagnosed, wearing a mask can also protect others. So masks are crucial (The Guardian, 2020).

Clinical masks especially those used in hospitals should not be confused with what people are making from white fabric selling to ordinary unsuspecting people telling them that they will be protected from infections. It is good to inform our people-women in particular to know that only scientifically proven masks will protect people from droplets of an infected person. Similary, proper usage is key. Tying it above the nose, just below the eyes and not under the nose, or where you are in contact with infected an person is recommended

Alternative Medicine

While WHO has not yet communicated that there is a cure, making claims of existing treatment and cure of Covid-19 using the traditional measures that treat common ailments is misleading.

This morning, I received a message forwarded to me from a friend from Africa who is also introducing cure for those infected with corona virus. The bearer who is anonymous tells people –

        That….’ there are certain leaves in African      communities that are burned and the infected      inhales        the heat and the smoke and the smoke        while sitting under the blanket’. The person        continued    that ‘as the infected person sweats      under the blanket as the drugs take   effect and as a      result, the    virus is released from the body together with the sweat and the    person        becomes well (Annonymous, 2020)’.

With due respect to our alternative treatment, making such claims is misleading when the world is dealing with a pandemic. The virus is fierce and spreads so fast.

I was also listening news an one person from a hot area in Africa was inviting people to visit claiming it is virus-free because the Covid virus cannot withstand the hot temperatures.

Only the elderly are vulnerable to Covid-19

As we stand today, cases reported include a child, middle aged and elderly people. So all people are vulnerable. People should not be misled with claims such claims but understand that;

        Most people who are not elderly and do not have underlying health     conditions will not become critically ill from Covid-19. But the illness still has a higher chance of leading to serious respiratory symptoms than      seasonal flu and there are other at-risk groups – health workers, for instance, are more vulnerable because they are likely to have higher     exposure to the virus. The actions that young, healthy people take,   including reporting symptoms and following quarantine instructions, will   have an important role in protecting the most vulnerable in society and in    shaping the overall trajectory of the outbreak (The Gurdian, 2020).

All people, pastors, security officers, nutritionists, mothers, fathers, young people, children, doctors, nurses, brothers, sisters, spouses coming in contact with any person infected with Covid-19 will be exposed to the virus.

As a leader for women in my community, I took the trouble to send messages to clarify to them (CDC, 2020);

For prevention of Covid -19, people have to understand that;

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs

Similarly, I assisted women to know that standard cleaning guidelines;

Clean your hands often

 

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

 

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for.

Steps to protect others around are also given attention by (CDC, 2020)  and these include;

 

Stay home if you’re sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn  Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

Throw used tissues in the trash.

Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

 

For general cleaning and disinfecting, I helped them to understand;

Clean

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

Diluting your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix:

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR

4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Alcohol solutions. Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.

Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants. Products with EPA-approved claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc

Conclusion

COVID-19 is a world pandemic and all people worldwide have a responsibility of passing on clear messages about the spread, management, prevention and cure. technology comes in handy to help us relay all these good information to those exposed, vulnerable infected and affected by the pandemic. I applaud those who are not abusing technology by sending wrong messages but use them to empower those at the margins to promote their well being.

 

References

Anonymous text, 2020. Audio in Swahili language-Africa

Anonymous , 2020 wide leaf photo face-mask, young black man

Anonymous, 2020 vendor, cotton-linen facemasks locally made, Kenya

CDC, 2020.center for disease control and prevention

Devlin, H.2020. Can a facemask stop corona virus? Covid-19 facts checked. The Guardian, 17, March 2020