Health experts raise alarm as long COVID-19 takes hold in Uganda

UGANDA — In a world still grappling with the enduring aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Makerere University Lung Institute’s experts are sounding the alarm over the growing scourge of long COVID in Uganda.

Long COVID, a relentless condition characterized by persistent symptoms in individuals who have survived COVID-19, presents a difficult global health challenge that continues to afflict millions, including Ugandans.

While the global community slowly recovers from the pervasive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda faces a new threat as the specter of “long COVID” casts its shadow over the nation’s populace.

Dedicated professionals at the Makerere University Lung Institute are at the forefront of this battle, confronting cases of Long COVID every day. Their unwavering commitment signals an urgent call for attention and awareness.

Dr. Ivan Kimuli, the head of clinical services at the institute, underscores that these cases predominantly involve individuals who valiantly battled COVID-19.

According to Dr. Kimuli, those who endured the acute phase of the virus continue to grapple with a wide range of debilitating symptoms, including persistent fatigue, breathlessness, chest pain, brain fog, and more.

Long COVID, a lingering condition where symptoms persist for weeks or even months after the acute phase of COVID-19, has experts deeply concerned. Dr. Kimuli highlights that these lingering effects can manifest in various organs, including the lungs.

In a bid to mitigate the long-term impact of COVID-19, experts are urgently calling on the public to prioritize lung health.

They emphasize the pivotal role of adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise in preserving lung function and overall well-being. These lifestyle choices not only aid in a swifter recovery from COVID-19 but also act as a vital defense against the specter of long COVID.

As Uganda joins the global observance of Lung Health Day, the spotlight extends beyond the immediate consequences of COVID-19, casting light on the enduring aftermath it leaves in its wake.

Lung Health Day serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to safeguard healthy lungs, especially in the face of respiratory afflictions like COVID-19, asthma, and a multitude of others.

The World Health Organization (WHO) first declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in January 2020, heralding a call for coordinated global action to safeguard populations from this novel virus.

PHEIC agreements between countries, endorsing WHO’s recommendations for crisis management, became the linchpin of international response efforts.

Each country, in turn, issued its own declaration of a public health emergency, granting these declarations legal significance, and enabling nations to marshal resources and enact temporary rule waivers to tackle the crisis effectively.

Even as COVID-19 continues its subtle global presence, evolving into a persistent health threat albeit at a diminished level of concern, WHO officials remain vigilant.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has cautioned against the enduring impact of Long COVID, a condition that inflicts severe and debilitating symptoms, often persisting for years.

It is estimated to affect one in ten individuals who contract COVID, suggesting that hundreds of millions may require prolonged care.

In the backdrop of the pandemic’s complex origins and geopolitical debates, efforts are underway to prepare the world for future global catastrophes.

Discussions about international treaties and frameworks to facilitate a more effective and equitable global response are in progress, guided by the lessons learned from the pandemic’s tumultuous journey.

While the virus was first detected in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, its initial spread among humans remains shrouded in mystery.

This issue, tense with political overtones, has split the scientific community, with divergent theories positing natural zoonotic transmission and a controversial lab-based origin – a claim China vehemently denies.

Meanwhile, WHO and its member states have embarked on discussions concerning an international treaty or a similar initiative.

This endeavor seeks to glean critical lessons from past mistakes and forge a united, effective, and equitable global response to future pandemics, ensuring that humanity remains resilient in the face of impending threats.

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