Covid-19 crisis in India: What went wrong?

India is currently being devastated by a deadly wave of Covid – 19. As Covid – 19 cases rise, hospitals buckle. Oxygen runs out. The number of the Covid deaths and cases increase. India’s Covid-19 crisis is currently attracting global attention. In fact, all eyes are on India as the country of over one billion people faces a devastating Covid-19 surge. Thousands of people are reported falling to the hands of the Covid-19 on a daily basis. Some infected Indians are dying on the streets outside hospitals that are overwhelmed with cases and have run short of oxygen supplies.

The Indian Air forces was reported to have airlifted 12 ready-to-use cryogenic tankers of oxygen from Dubai to India, amid major international efforts to help relieve the latter as it struggles to contain the pandemic. Crematories are overwhelmed with bodies as if the nation is at war. India is recording more infections per day – around 300,000 – than any other country has witnessed since the pandemic began early last year.

The UK has equally commenced sending ventilators and oxygen to India while the USA has been reported to lift ban on the export of raw materials for vaccines. And will send other supplies such as protective equipment and rapid tests. What a pity?

The figure of those infected with the virus increased because the country took a negligent approach by the Modi government, permitting Indians to attend large outdoor gatherings and religious festivals

But how did India get to this point? You may recall that earlier in the year 2021, India had fewer infections. Gradually, the figure of those infected with the virus increased because the country took a negligent approach by the Modi government, permitting Indians to attend large outdoor gatherings and religious festivals. Political rallies are in top gear, as low vaccine coverage is equally responsible for the Covid-19 surge.

After relaxed restrictions, most stadiums were packed full with spectators watching cricket matches and gathering in movie halls across the country was also a contributory factor for the surge. These are activities that should not have taken place if truly there was a global pandemic. So, as most Indians engaged in their businesses on a daily basis, there was a “double mutant” Covid-19 variant that was ravaging the people and the economy.

What is the implication of India’s second wave for the rest of the world? The immediate consequence is a disruption to vaccine supply. India you will recall is the largest producer of vaccines in the world. In fact, analysts have suggested that India had hoped to be the world’s pharmacy. The Serum Institute of India, a private firm manufactures the AstraZeneca vaccines.

But with the number of those infected with the corona virus increasing, the Indian government has restricted exports of vaccines. Serum Institute India had to default on commitments to Britain, the European Union and COVAX. African countries that had earlier hoped that India would provide a helping hand with vaccines are looking on in dismay.

What is the solution? Experts said what they knew about the virus is still valid. Mask wearing, they say, reduces the spread of Covid-19 significantly. Although asymptomatic transmission is still considered a big risk, the weeks ahead could be worse if nothing significant is done to slow down the high rate of daily positive Covid-19 cases in some parts of India. Experts are of the view that “unless India’s second wave is brought under control, the entire world would be at risk.”

In Africa’s case, necessary steps must be taken by the African Union towards ensuring that the entire continent is not a spectator in the vaccination endeavor. I say this with deep sense of concern because one could hear some public analysts predict that vaccine troubles could set Africa back 5 years in time. If this happens, it will not be in the interest of the continent and its almost one billion people.

What should be Nigeria’s strategy at this moment? The President, Academy of Medical Specialties of Nigeria, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, advised that the federal government must take steps to protect Nigerians from the third wave of Covid- 19. Can Nigeria have flight restrictions now? Whatever the federal government decides, necessary steps must be taken at our international airports, seaports and land borders to ensure that Indians and other foreigners entering our country take necessary medical precautions to avert the spread of Covid-19.

Airports, I heard from scientists are more dangerous than airplanes when it comes to being infected with Covid- 19. Today, most Nigerians do not use facemasks while physical distancing is no longer adhered to. Face masks alone we were told by experts do not protect against Covid- 19, it should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. Nigerians be wise! Thank you.