READER LETTER | Fighting pandemic requires comprehensive strategies

Following the global outbreak of Covid-19, nations including  SA have responded by imposing lockdowns to curb the surge of infections.

Pandemics affect national economies through several channels, including the health, transportation, agricultural and tourism sectors, while trade is  affected through interruptions in international supply chains. Pandemics hinder economic growth which in turn affects government revenue and expenditure.

At household level, death or illness of a family breadwinner results in direct losses of income leading to a reduction in savings as time and resources are spent on treatment, extra hygiene measures and nutrition to boost immune systems.

Reductions in savings lead to disinvestment in human capital, notably the education of children, and to loss of productive assets, including land or housing.

One lesson from the pandemic is that attempts  made by the private sector in disease prevention and control may not be sufficient. This provides justification for governments to intervene in health programmes to achieve optimal levels for disease control, and optimum mix of prevention and control.

Covid-19 has also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies and strong political will for governments to be proactive in efforts to curb the rate of infections and put in place practical, sustainable programmes to prevent, manage, and control diseases.

Concerted pro-action is paramount for all nations to guard against the threat of epidemics, and their potential progress into pandemics, and to mitigate their impact.

- Ntombimbini Mdlulwa, via e-mail