Survey to examine Covid-19 dynamics in Pakistan

NIH official warns that change in people's behaviour on Eid may result in second wave

KARACHI:

With the coronavirus pandemic taking different trajectories around the globe, Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA), National Institute of Health (NIH) and Health Research Advisory Board (HealthRab) have jointly launched a country-wide survey the dynamics and nature of the crisis in Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, medical experts stated that the survey was being conducted to ascertain the prevalence of comorbidities among people infected with Covid-19 and to determine the varying symptoms experienced by patients. This, they explained, would help authorities take appropriate decisions to curb the pandemic in the country.

Moreover, they intended to determine the psychological impact of the disease on various age groups and the ultimate outcomes of the disease, shared HealthRab vice-chairperson Prof Basit. "The data currently to the authorities and physicians is from other countries, including the West and China, but there was little information about the behaviour of the virus in Pakistan."

He pointed out that global data indicated that the virus impacted the body's vascular system and those suffering from hypertension and type 2 diabetes were more prone to contracting the disease as compared to people with respiratory illnesses.

According to NIH official Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan, the number of positive cases has been on a decline in Pakistan since the first week of July, but people have stopped getting tested for the virus. This, he added, was worrisome for the authorities.

"The change in people's behaviour, especially around Eidul Azha, can result in a second wave of the disease in the country," he warned, urging people to remain cautious as the virus would remain for a long time.

HealthRab general secretary Dr Zakiuddin Ahmed explained that around 2,200 coronavirus affectees would be interviewed online as part of the survey. The outcome of the survey and its analysis would be shared with the authorities, including the National Command Operation Centre, to help the policymakers in taking decisions, he added.

PIMA president Prof Afzal Mian said that people should take all precautionary measures on Eidul Azha and avoid repeating the mistakes made at Eidul Fitr.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2020.