Over the past forty years, the entire world has been experiencing an unprecedented health insecurity till date from epidemics, epizootics to other pandemics appearing or resurging at increasing frequent intervals. It all started in the early 1980s, with the appearance of Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, commonly known as HIV/AIDS. After a long period of virulence which had the merit of changing many people’s behaviour, this cankerworm which seemed to have lost its dominance yet continues to spread due to our negligence.
This scenario continued with the mad cow disease, bird flu and its H1N1 virus, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, Zika and Chikungunya fever, the last three diseases seemed to have been limited to the tropical regions of the planet. Just yesterday, humanity feared for its sustainability, in the face of the devastating attacks of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19. Surgical masks, controversial vaccines and treatments, potions and decoctions of disputed effectiveness, barrier measures and confinements help to curb the spread of this deadly ailment. However, current events reveal that corona has not yet made its last statement.
Yet to recover from all these health challenges, here comes another call for serious concern. This time, it is monkey pox that is knocking hardly at our door. With its purulent blisters, monkey pox is spreading terror. Originating in Africa, according to scholars, the illness is manifesting itself in a rather erratic manner throughout the world. Nevertheless, unlike the harm caused by its predecessor the coronavirus, the M.pox arrives on a terrain whose recently tested defensive structures can put an end to its spread, while waiting for a next counter-offensive for which preparations are making significant progress.
As a matter of fact, pharmaceutical laboratories and other international health organisations are already announcing the availability of appropriate vaccines. It is better to say it right away, these vaccines will not be affordable for everyone. The treatment is managed by the nursing staff and measures to prevent contamination are being taken.
Once again, good personal and collective hygiene is essential, the disease is mainly contracted through physical contact. Without necessarily nudging each other as a sign of greetings, it is important to wash your hands regularly with running water and soap, disinfect them as much as possible with hand sanitisers. It is also advisable to avoid contact with wild animals.
These few precautions which are accessible to all, constitute the cornerstone of a much more elaborate package intended to spare us from the trauma and loss of human life endured during COVID. When it comes to health, prevention is better than cure!
However, let us remain vigilant.
