Health education is not a new issue in Africa. Most curricula cover the essential everyday health, tantamount to common problems. But the biggest lesson over the past few years is how public awareness of illnesses and diseases crosses over to real life. The simple lessons of hand washing and covering of the mouth when coughing or sneezing are probably rudimentary, but in 2020, they became life-saving.
While millions of Americans were focused on declining COVID-19 cases and the passage of an important infrastructure bill in November of 2021, a sad and tragic event was occupying the minds and hearts of those from Sierra Leone. On November 5th, a collision occurred between an oil tanker and a truck in the streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital. According to U.S. News and World Report, the death toll has risen to over 145 deaths and over 300 injuries. Many people were trapped inside their own vehicles, while others were stuck inside burning buildings.
The novel Coronavirus also known as COVID-19 has become a global pandemic. Originating from Wuhan, China, COVID-19 has rapidly spread to every continent with the exception of Antarctica [1]. Although the Chinese government had attempted to contain the novel Coronavirus by quarantining the city of Wuhan, their attempts proved futile due to their sheer population. Despite their best efforts, COVID-19 spread to many countries. COVID-19 has symptoms that resemble the common flu. Some of these symptoms include fever, body ache, and dry cough [2].
Nursing professor who treated Ebola patients describes psychological toll.
As the coronavirus threatens health and upends daily life throughout the world, UofSC Today is turning to our faculty to help us make sense of it all. While no one can predict exactly what will happen in the coming weeks and months, our faculty can help us ask the right questions and put important context around emerging events.
Africa has largely been slow to be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Most African countries are reporting modest figures, compared to those in Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
However, this might not last. Experts believe that Africa needs to prepare itself for the breakout, even as its health facilities are taunted to be inadequate to fight any outbreak.
On March 22, 2020, on the onset of the virus outbreak in Africa, the World Health Organization through its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the continent to prepare for the worst.
From an Ebola veteran to all healthcare workers out there. I know how you feel. I've been there. I'm here for you if you need me. Please share if you feel it's appropriate.
Dr. Mike Drusano
This page is simply a list of quotes and resources related to self care / adjusting to life in the era of the Corona Virus - COVID-19 Epidemic.
There are a ton of pages with links to educational resources. We will not be creating our own.
If you have a link related to self-care that you would like to recommend, please email this to info@developarica.org. We reserve the right to not post every recommended link / resource.
As citizens of our respective countries, most of us lead a prosperous life. We have houses, air-conditioning, and access to fresh water. Most of us are accustomed to a life of pleasure and comfort.
Make a Difference Today: Donate to the Year of the Pencil Campaign
On November 20th, this movement placed over 100,000 pencils into the hands
of children across Sierra Leone in 20 schools.
Each pencil tells a story — of hope, opportunity, and possibility.
Education is more than lessons — it’s liberation.
Every $25 helps children write their dreams.
👉 Help provide pencils by donating today!
