Monday marked the third straight day of less than 1000 cases of coronavirus reported throughout Pakistan. This is an important milestone, as we have not seen such a low incidence of cases since March, when the third wave began. While there has been no observable increase in preventions and precautions being taken by the public, this decrease indicates that the government’s attempts to impose safeguards and the vaccination drives might finally be having an effect.
However, this important step in pushing the pandemic back must be consolidated. While the vaccination drive looks to be successful so far, there are still gaps that must be accounted for. For instance, the increasing reports of fake vaccination certificates are a serious concern that must be resolved. Vaccines save lives by reducing the chance of an infection and minimising its effects even if the virus is transmitted. The certificates make it possible for the public to lower its guard. If public places ease restrictions based on these certificates, even one fake can lead to a renewed spree of cases.
But even with coronavirus being pushed back, there are several threats to the health of Pakistani citizens that must be acted upon. The rising incidence of dengue was bad enough, but for residents of Punjab, the very serious threat posed by smog continues to increase health risks for the general population.
We are facing myriad threats, and the efforts being made to counter coronavirus must also be replicated elsewhere. There is no holistic approach when it comes to ailments apart from coronavirus, which is a glaring oversight on part of both the federal and provincial governments. If the past two years have taught us anything, it should be that preventing an outbreak is fundamental in keeping ahead of a disease. It is hoped that the government takes this lesson to heart and replicates the success we are witnessing to other aspects of healthcare as well. But even with coronavirus being pushed back, there are several threats to the health of Pakistani citizens that must be acted upon. The rising incidence of dengue was bad enough, but for residents of Punjab, the very serious threat posed by smog continues to increase health risks for the general population.
