The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

2020 • 06 16 eature nationwide when the country with a population of 29 million recorded its first Covid-19 case on March 22, a stark glimpse into the inaccessibility of medical facilities in the impoverished nation and the challenges it faces in the time of a global pandemic. Mozambique-based volunteer Tsai Dai-lin sourced for face masks from other countries for the locals, yet efforts to raise awareness on epidemic prevention measures remain an uphill climb in the developing country. As of mid-May, the number of confirmed infections in Mozambique has been stabilizing at around 160 cases – whether this plateau lasts in time to come remains to be seen, while South Africa has closed its borders as the number of infections nationwide exceeds 20,000. The citizens of Mozambique, a nation reliant on imported goods, are not only left to deal with food shortage, but also soaring commodity prices. When face masks are scarce in supply and the average Mozambican is unable to afford soap, how is the country going to defend itself from the pandemic? After extensive research, Dai-lin finally discovered an alternative cleaning agent – charcoal. She and her fellow volunteers began reaching out to local communities to explain the health threats of Covid-19 and educate them on proper hand washing techniques, besides manufacturing economical and environmentally-friendly fabric face masks to be distributed to the locals. Public health in a post-Covid-19 world Following the first wave of Covid-19 infections, governmentsworldwide are not resting on their laurels. Rather, the current emphasis is on gearing for a revival of the declining economy and reversing a potential recession, in addition to preventing a second wave of infections from surfacing. As an increasing number of countries are easing lockdown and movement restriction rules, preparations for the next phase in the battle against Covid-19 have to be tactfully planned. International cooperation, reinforcing awareness of individual responsibility in epidemic prevention and the rapid consolidation of global healthcare systems are imperative steps in getting society back on track and restoring order. The Covid-19 pandemic has plunged humanity into fear. The enforced restrictions on various aspects of our everyday lives to curb the spread of the virus have reminded us to never underestimate the potential of a microscopic virus in effecting far-reaching repercussions on transportation, travel, the economy and our livelihoods, even limiting our freedom of movement and impacting social practices. Quarantine measures are prioritized in stemming the transmission of contagious diseases; take the isolation of leprosy patients in leprosariums for example. The now- ubiquitous practice of social distancing is one of the most basic yet essential infection- control measures before a Covid-19 vaccine or drug is invented.