Steemit Engagement Challenge Season8 Week1: My Learning During the Pandemic | By @ukpono | March 5, 2023

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Welcome to my blog! The Steemit Engagement Challenge Season 8 for the Steemit Health Community has kicked off, and I am excited to share my experience and the lessons I have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep reading till the end.

Background

Our world has recorded numerous pandemics in the past, some of which include the H1N1 virus, the Plague of Athens, the Spanish Flu, the Russian Influenza and so forth. While these previous pandemics caused upheaval, none compares to the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 on the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic which began in late 2019 and continues to this day, led to significant changes in the way people live, work, and interact with one another. This global health catastrophe not only led to the first-ever global lockdown but also seriously disrupted people's lives and economies all across the world. While things were chaotic, important lessons were learnt.

Lessons learnt from the pandemic

1. The need for good personal hygiene
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a couple of changes and in another way reinforced the need to maintain good personal hygiene. It was at this time that I learned proper handwashing techniques, following the WHO recommendation to ensure a thorough cleanse of the palms, nails, interdigital areas, and purlicues.

2. Adaptability
Humans are known for their adaptability, and the COVID-19 pandemic proved no different. As students, workers, and home managers, we all had to adjust to a new way of life and turn to technology as an alternative means to accomplish tasks.

3. The need for multiple streams of income
The pandemic dealt a heavy blow to many breadwinners, causing a loss of income, inflation, and financial strain. The toll on mental health was significant, with many experiencing depression. This experience motivated me to secure multiple streams of income for greater financial stability.

4. Fixing Society's Lapses
The pandemic exposed the inadequacy of Nigeria's public institutions, particularly schools, as being incapable of handling a widespread health emergency. It emphasized the critical requirement for strong public health systems, global collaboration, and readiness for upcoming health emergencies.

Were there any losses?

Around 6.8 million deaths associated with COVID-19 have been reported worldwide as of 28 February 2023, according to the World Health Organization's most recent data. Although none of my family members or close friends was among the casualties during the five waves, I empathized with those who lost their loved ones and did my best to offer comfort, even as the pandemic terrifies me.

My Pandemic Struggles

As a student from a developing country, the impact of the pandemic hit me hard. While my peers in other parts of the world seamlessly transitioned to virtual learning, I spent over 9 months without access to education. It felt like the world was moving on without us, and we were stuck in a different reality.

In addition to the academic challenges, lockdowns, curfews, and quarantines made life difficult. Wearing a face mask at all times was also a struggle.

Buying necessities from the market was also a challenge as markets were only open for limited hours on selected days.

Travelling was another ordeal. Despite having all the required vaccinations and papers, I had to go through the Nasopharyngeal Swab COVID Test twice: once two weeks before I left and once when I arrived at my destination. The entire procedure took a long time due to the large number of travellers present, and the nurse who administered the test was difficult, making me cry when she turned the swab roughly in my right nostril.

The pandemic's impact on my finances

My finance wasn't affected since I wasn't earning then. We weren't in need of the palliatives either. My dad and I had to drive out of town to give them to the people who needed them most.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the universe. It has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. It has shown us the need for increased investment in public health infrastructure and the importance of global cooperation in tackling infectious diseases. It has highlighted the essential role of science and technology in addressing complex challenges and the need for more equitable access to healthcare.

Above all, the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a reminder of our interconnected world and the value of teamwork in addressing global crises. We must stay alert and committed to cooperating as we seek to create a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone as we navigate this crisis.

Thank you for reading.

Special invite goes to @abdhadi77, @sitimuzalifah, @zamzami10, @salim001 and @ikwal.

About Me | burnsteem25 | Nigeria