A War We Must Win
Late South African leader Nelson Mandela once said, “When people are determined, they can overcome anything.” In China, there is a similar saying indicating people’s power in dealing with difficulties, “When people are of one mind and heart, they can move Taishan Mountain.” These sayings are especially true when it comes to the current worldwide endeavors of fighting COVID-19.
Though the numbers of confirmed cases and deaths in Africa are lower than those in Asia, Europe and the U.S., the numbers are increasing. Fortunately, many African countries have taken actions to curb the disease. Considering Africa’s weak health infrastructure, poor medical facilities and lack of sufficient protective equipment, it is wise to take strict preemptive measures and mobilize all available resources to fight the pandemic before things become uncontrollable.
In this context, many African countries closed their borders and issued strict restrictions on people’s movement and contact. Measures such as curfews, states of emergencies and lockdowns have been announced. In this process, ordinary people are making sacrifices by staying at home during the lockdowns and being quarantined when necessary. The continent’s governments are strengthening their efforts of supporting those who are disadvantaged to ensure people have access to clean water and sufficient food.
Businesses and individuals are making contributions by donating funds, food and materials. On April 9, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a one-third salary cut for himself, the deputy president, ministers, their deputies and premiers for the next three months. The money will go into a solidarity fund that has been set up to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
International resources have also been mobilized by African countries. Besides purchasing and accepting international donations of funds and medical supplies, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso also invited medical experts from China, where the pandemic control work has greatly eased, to help fight the disease in their countries. With the spread of COVID-19 in Africa, more African countries are expected to make use of international resources.
This is a war that has no borders and brings equal devastation to everyone. While we all combat this enemy, no one can be a mere onlooker. Only through the collective efforts of people globally can this war, that threatens all of humanity, be won, and the dark cloud of COVID-19 be dispelled sooner, rather than later. CA