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Dr. Naeem Dalal, Zambia Medical Association Chairperson for Public Health, took part in Lusaka in an international e-conference hosted by Texila American University dubbed “COVID-19 – Chit-Chat with the Experts” and and delivered a motivational speech. He predicted a surge of mental health challenges globally and around the world in light of the coronavirus epidemic.
Dr. Dalal said that the post-traumatic stress has the potential to loom around for weeks and even months in communities, especially among medical personnel, even after the coronavirus is over if it is not managed correctly now.
He said that the most at risk of mental health challenges are health personnel because they are in the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. He called on citizens and frontline workers to limit daily intake of information surrounding the pandemic.
Dr. Dalal had further called on healthcare providers to ask for help and support from their supervisors and peers when they feel overwhelmed. For those who struggle with overwhelmed thoughts, he suggested the need for emotional support from friends and families of health workers and friends and families of those infected with the virus.
Dr. Dalal also implored medical personnel in the frontlines to communicate with others, reassure themselves of their value, read books, or watch videos that calm them down and try their hardest to eat healthily. He added that enough sleep is needed for one to make logical decisions. Dr. Dalal also thanked communities who are supporting healthcare providers in different ways.
Speaking at the same conference, Ministry of Health Assistant Director-Health Promotion, Dr. Kalangwa Kalangwa, emphasized that people need to stay at home as much as possible. Dr. Kalangwa, however, said that people in homes should continue with their regular interactions unless symptoms occur. He also urged people to maintain friendships with loved ones through online platforms and phone calls.
He added that face masks are highly encouraged in places where social distancing is not possible, mostly, homemade reusable masks. Dr. Vijayakumar Rajarathinam, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Texila American University, Zambia, has also called for creativity in schools to ensure that learning doesn’t end in the light of COVID-19.
Dr. Vijayakumar also highlighted the online classes that his university is conducting to ensure that students stay updated with their studies. And exclaimed how Texila has made it more effective and result-oriented.
This article was originally published on Zambian Eye.
