Commentary

Does Ghana Need COVID-19 Vaccines?

Indeed the year 2020 will go down in record as the year the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) swept through, shook and brought on its knees the economies of the world after the Spanish Flu pandemic a century ago. What seemed to be a local issue in Wuhan, China took the world by surprise and hit hard when no preparations were put in place and became the main news headline in every News broadcast throughout the world. At least for once, the world stopped monitoring the stock exchange and focused on Coronavirus case count. The Western World; the ‘metropolis of modern-day civilization’ has so far been the worse hit and the so-called sophistication in modern medicine and technology hasn’t helped much as hundreds of thousands have died already as a result- so unfortunate. Condolence to families and everyone that lost a loved one to the deadly Corona Virus.

On the contrary, Africa where the pandemic was predicted to ‘kill’ so much that there will be no graves for burial is, in reality, the least affected-unbelievable, right? Maybe Africa should not be bothered too much about external opinion!
Though, not the best way to learn, the Corona Virus pandemic has no less taught the world many lessons.

First, the rate at which the virus traveled from Wuhan, China to Bolgatanga in Ghana reminds us of our interconnectedness, interdependence and common humanity. And this certainly commensurate with the old saying that when you see your neighbour’s house on fire, help to put out the fire before it spreads. I guess there is still lot of wisdom in ancient tales?

Secondly, the pandemic unearthed hidden talent and innovation around the world. In a matter of months, all sort of innovations and technology to aid in hand washing and so on including proposed cure for the virus emerged. Everyone was on board the innovation train even the non-literate. Where did all this end especially the proposed cure? Are they still being tested by the regulatory bodies or thrown away? What of the Madagascar mixture?
Again, COVID-19 has exposed our collective weakness and vulnerability as a human race. It became evident that there are poor people everywhere in the world who cannot break even for a day without work otherwise they starve. Will this stop African youth from swimming through the icy ocean to find greener pastures? We have also seen that the so-called wealthy nations may actually be nations of a few wealthy people who camouflage the poor. Thanks to the ‘haves’ who shared with the ‘have nots’ including some of us through our networks who made donations to orphanages. The Churches, Mosques and some social groupings were right in the centre of the pandemic supporting in all sorts of ways. What a way society can live together! The poor are thankful.

The world of science went to work as nurses, herbal medicine practitioners, doctors and laboratory scientists worked tirelessly not only to save lives but to find a cure for the virus- a vaccine. Big salute to the nurses and doctors who defied all odds to work with little or no Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs)! Salute to the scientists at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) and the University of Ghana for the groundbreaking sequencing of various strains of the Corona Virus. Great start to find a vaccine!
No doubt the world will not be the same way again after COVID-19. The world has moved and worked online than never before in history I guess. Waow! What a leap in just one year. The world is now familiarizing with new vocabulary and terminologies; Zoom, Sanitizers, Nose Mask, and Social/Physical Distancing etc.

After one year of struggle with the Corona Virus Pandemic, a vaccine has finally been found in the West. What of the earlier discoveries in Africa? Or they don’t meet WHO standards?
Given the record of infections and deaths so far in Africa and Ghana for that matter and the discovery of various strains of the virus across the world as it has undergone mutation, is a vaccine necessary at this point in Africa? What about commissioning African scientists to further their research for a vaccine? Or it is expensive for our governments. Maybe the World Bank may not finance it. In the meantime, is there a potent vaccine in our case than ensuring the COVID protocols are observed? Should our governments invest in a COVID Vaccine while they careless about the ‘free’ protocols? What about continuing to ensure that PPEs are available for health workers some of whom have unfortunately died in their line of duty? Will citizens be required to pay for the vaccine and the poor too? Or the vaccine will be a cash cow for the politician?