COVID-19 Pandemic Situation Report and Country Response: Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Adnan Saeed (Alumnus-Sakura Science Program)
Lecturer (Microbiology), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan
17th August, 2021
Country/Location
Pakistan- City (Lahore & Jhang)-Punjab Province
Present Situation
| COVID-19 Statistics (17th August, 2021) | |
|---|---|
| Total confirmed cases | 1,105,300 |
| Newly confirmed cases on that day | 3,221 |
| Active cases on that date | 87,423 |
| Cases in ICU/ Critical Cases | 4,896 |
| Total death cases | 24,573 |
| New death cases on that day | 95 |
COVID-19 related challenges
Low vaccination coverage, inflation and poverty due to transient unemployment related to informal sector are considered among top challenges during COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. However, Government of Pakistan is pressing hard to overcome these difficulties. Large population (exceeding 220 million), moderate level healthcare infrastructure and indifferent public behavior have promoted low vaccination coverage.
Government financial support for public
Govt. has introduced direct financing program based on cash transfer to beneficiaries. “Ehsas Emergency Cash Program” worth US $ 875 Million was started for financial assistance of the most vulnerable people. Tax relief has been provided for medical and pharmaceutical industries. To support business and livelihood a loan scheme called “Kamyab Jawan” worth exceeding US $ 60 million has been initiated.
Pandemic related lockdown and penalties
Pakistan’s strategy has been a micro smart lockdown implemented to COVID-19 hotspots only. Smart lockdown can be limited to a single block or a street only. However, other restrictions like shortening business hours for local markets, wearing masks, observing social distancing etc. have been put in place. Fines are imposed for not wearing masks, fine amount varies from US $ 0.6 to 3.0 region wise.
Diagnostic Technique
At present a total of 17,276,450 test for COVID-19 have been conducted. In Pakistan, COVID-19 testing is being performed by using real time RT-PCR technique by using commercially available standardized kits.
Vaccination Program
At present all 18+ citizens are being registered for immunization. Vaccination is free for public. Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines are widely used. However, other vaccines including Sputnik-V, Pfizer-biontech, Moderna and AstraZeneca are also used. As of August 19th 2021, around 5.6 % population has fully been vaccinated.
Traditional medicines
At present, no traditional medicine has been registered for treating COVID-19 patients. However, tea made from leaves of “Sana Makki (Cassia senna linn)” has been found effective due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory effects.
Education
Academic activities have been carried out through hybrid modes i.e. both on-line and off-line periods intermittently. In Universities, during face-to-face classes both theory and practical contents of a particular course were taught but during online periods, theory classes were focused. Students facing difficulties in accessing reliable internet connectivity were accommodated by universities by allowing them to be on-campus to study and take online exams.
The bottom line
Many families have faced grave consequences of losing their loved ones and facing financial crisis. However, there is growing public awareness for vaccination as a possible way out. Digitalization of various sectors and online services/ businesses have been revolutionized to attain new heights. Arising new challenges always come up with new possibilities and opportunities. Taking them to the right direction is the only way to promising success and a better future. For example, emergency production of vaccines for coronavirus has inspired production of vaccines for other organisms like HIV. I think, the biggest advantage of this pandemic has been in terms of the global mutual response and increased coordination between the nations. Inventions made and lessons learnt will help solve many future global issues.