OPINION> Commentary
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OPINION> Commentary
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Keeping diseases out
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-28 07:46 With 10,000 or so epidemic control professionals dispatched to the quake-hit areas, covering all residential communities, as officials with the Ministry of Health claimed at a press conference yesterday, initial worries about risks of a public health hazard in the wake of the disaster may appear to be somewhat exaggerated. Strict round-the-clock monitoring and comparative studies of pre- and post-quake conditions has found no substantial change in the state of epidemic diseases in the disaster zone, according to the ministry. It is a great consolation to see epidemic control workers clad in protective gears combing the ruins and temporary settlements at very short intervals, spreading disinfectants and pesticides. Their tireless toils have indeed held out a protective umbrella over the areas. As aftershocks continue to brew a sense of uncertainty, the barrier lakes threaten to burst, and numerous victims await proper accommodation, fears of an outbreak of contagious diseases may to some extent give way to that of some other pressing threats. Now, however, is not the time to slacken vigilance. The danger is still there, clear and present.
In fact, with victims living in densely populated makeshift communities, where supplies of clean water and other daily necessities are tight, and sanitary conditions moderate at best, the pressure on epidemic control will inevitably multiply as temperatures rise. While redoubling inputs to guarantee basic sanitary conditions and supply of safe and sufficient water and food, special attention is needed to make sure the normal cases of seasonal contagious diseases - normal in the sense that they are regularly identified at other times in the region - do not spill out of control. From what we have learnt from the health ministry, there is no sign the authorities will relax on epidemic control. Instead, they are sending more epidemic control professionals into the disaster zone. Since millions of quake victims will have to stay in crowded accommodation for months, epidemic control will prove to be a protracted process that will at least last through the humid and hot summer days. It is inspiring to see epidemic control professionals instructing relocated villagers on self-protection. Engaging the victims is not only an effective way of mobilization, but at the same time a necessary awareness campaign. An informed public will considerably boost the efficiency of epidemic control endeavors. (China Daily 05/28/2008 page8) |
