The Impact of Covid-19 pandemic lingers

 LINDA AYUBA GANYA  

The emergence of COVID 19 in late 2019 triggered  a wave of consequences and unprecedented disruption all around the world.

Most parts of the world have not been able to bounce back till date.

Delving into the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on health, economy, and our daily lives, this article brings to light the consequences the pandemic has had on societies globally.

Most individuals  in Nigeria have one or two things to say at the time of the outbreak concerning what COVID was and how it can be contacted, 

If we recall, there were about 267,146 cases, which amongst them, 207,254 recovered and 3,155 recorded dead with about 1.18% fatality rate as reported to the (WHO) World Health Organization.

The health implication that COVID 19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus posed significant health risk. It manifests with a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, with a particular emphasis on respiratory complications. 

The virus disseminated rapidly, leading to an overwhelming burden on healthcare systems and a tragic loss of lives. 

In Nigeria, healthcare facilities had become overwhelmed, leading to inadequate resources, shortage of medical supplies, and increased pressure on healthcare workers.

The pandemic has also disrupted routine healthcare services, making it challenging for individuals to access necessary medical care for non-COVID-19 conditions.

This has indirectly led to increased morbidity and mortality rates, especially  in Nigeria.

Mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, have also surged amidst the pandemic.

The pandemic has caused an unprecedented economic downturn. 

Countless businesses, particularly small enterprises and those in heavily impacted sectors like travel and hospitality, have faced challenges and some even had to close at that time. 

Supply chains have been disrupted, global trade has dwindled, and unemployment rates have soared.

The impact on the  Nigerian economy was exacerbating pre-existing socio-economic challenges. 

The implementation of lockdowns and restrictions to curb the spread of the virus has resulted in reduced economic activity.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s economy, have been hit particularly hard. 

Many businesses have closed down, leading to layoffs and loss of income for individuals and families.

Additionally, the decline in global oil prices has further strained Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.

Governments have implemented stimulus measures, but recovery is anticipated to be gradual.

To curb the spread of the virus, nations have implemented strict social distancing guidelines, which have altered social dynamics, impeding traditional forms of interaction. 

The pandemic has brought significant changes to daily life in Nigeria. 

Movement restrictions and social distancing measures have disrupted social activities, including large gatherings, religious services, cultural events, and entertainment.

The closure of schools affected the education system, leading to the adoption of remote and online learning methods, which may not be accessible to all.

Workplaces have shifted to remote work where possible, impacting productivity and work-life balance. Additionally, the pandemic has had psychological effects, causing anxiety, loneliness, stress, and isolation among individuals.

Governments worldwide face mounting debt burdens due to increased spending on healthcare, social welfare, and economic stimulus packages. 

Balancing the need for financial stability with the demands of pandemic management presents long-term economic challenges.

The Nigerian government has taken various measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on health, the economy, and daily life.

 These include the establishment of isolation centers, increased testing capacity, public awareness campaigns, and the distribution of relief materials to vulnerable populations.

The federal government has also implemented economic stimulus packages and support measures for businesses, along with conditional cash transfer programs to assist the most affected segments of society.Years later, after the global COVID-19 pandemic hit, developed countries and lower-income nations like Nigeria experienced varying degrees of economic and social setbacks. 

However, compared to developing countries like Nigeria, developed ones were able to bounce back relatively faster through various ways.

Developed countries usually have well-established healthcare systems that are better equipped to handle the pandemic. 

They have more hospitals, advanced medical equipment, and a larger number of healthcare professionals. 

This enabled them to provide better healthcare services, testing, and medical support to their citizens compared to our dear nation who is still struggling with the issues of healthcare and has not been able to reach and provide health care services to more than  half of her population, even though slight efforts are being made to improve.

Emergency response plans and systems were put in place by developed countries to address crises like the pandemic. 

They were able to mobilize resources quickly, implement testing and contact tracing, enforce strict lockdown measures, and develop effective vaccination campaigns. 

This efficient response helped them control the spread of the virus and minimize its impact on public health.Generally, these developed countries have stronger economies with larger financial reserves, allowing them to swiftly implement economic stimulus packages and provide financial assistance to affected individuals and businesses. 

These countries were able to offer financial support, such as unemployment benefits, small business grants, and loan schemes, which helped provide stability and mitigate the negative economic effects of the pandemic on their citizens.In Nigeria, one can say that the opposite is the case. 

The country’s financial reserve and economy is weak compared to the developed countries. 

Experts recently attribute the decrease in reserve to costly projects, such as election expenses and currency redesign, as well as the uncertainty surrounding election years and recent policy changes. 

Due to their economic diversification, developed countries often benefit from diverse economies, with multiple sectors contributing to their GDP. 

This diversification allows them to mitigate the impact of a crisis on a specific industry. In contrast, Nigeria heavily relies on oil exports, making it more vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices. 

The decline in oil demand and prices during the pandemic significantly affected Nigeria’s economy, leading to a slower recovery compared to countries with more diversified economic structures.

While the developed countries had a higher level of technological infrastructure and a more widespread adoption of remote work practices. 

This enabled many businesses to continue operations even during lockdowns.

Digital platforms and tools facilitated remote work, e-commerce, and online services, minimizing the negative impact on economic productivity. 

In Nigeria, limited infrastructure and digital divide challenges hindered the widespread adoption of remote work and online services.

However, for this single reason, Nigerians have started to accept and use technology to enable their businesses on digital platforms as well as advertise them through digital marketing.

Having benefited from international collaborations, sharing of scientific knowledge, and cooperation in vaccine development, manufacturing, and distribution. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and partnerships between countries played a crucial role in supporting these efforts. 

Nigeria faced challenges in accessing sufficient vaccine supplies and, initially, had limited access to global collaborations, which affected the speed and efficiency of their vaccination campaigns.In pointing out impacts of the pandemic, 

It is important to also  note that each country’s unique circumstances also played a significant role in the speed of recovery. 

Factors such as governance, political stability, social cohesion, and levels of public compliance with health measures also contributed to the differing recovery rates between developed nations and Nigeria.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects and has upturned our lives, leaving an indelible mark on health, economy, and daily life all around the world including Nigeria. 

It has strained healthcare infrastructure, disrupted the economy, and changed the way people live and work. 

To minimize the impact, it is crucial for Nigeria to continue implementing robust public health measures, provide adequate support to affected sectors, and  prioritize the well-being of its citizen.Only through collective efforts can Nigeria overcome these challenges and build a resilient society.