Out of 193 countries which are members of the United Nations, only 13 countries, as of April 30, 2020 had not reported Covid-19 case. These countries include Kiribati, Lesotho, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, North Korea, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. 10 out of these 13 countries are small islands with few visitors. For the first time in the history of the world a crisis is affecting each region of the globe; Western Pacific, Southeast Asia, Regions of America, Africa, and Europe.
The widely acclaimed World War 1 and World War 2 didn’t affect half of the countries in the world. In fact, World War 1 was a European battle. In 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the dual Austria-Hungary monarchy backed by Germany, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire (The Central Powers) fought against France, Britain and Russia (The Allies Powers). United States, Japan, Romania and Italy also fought on the side of The Allies Powers later in the war. World War 1 led to massive destruction in Europe, more than 16 million people were killed. The Allies Powers claimed victory in 1918 but every nation that participated in European World War I lost people- – Soldiers and Civilians. The truth is the acclaimed World War 1 was fought among eleven nations of the world.
World War 2 which started September 1st 1939 was fought between The Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and The Allies Powers (Britain, United States, Soviet Union, and France). Many countries that were being colonized by World Powers were dragged to be part of the war by enlisting their soldiers to the war front. The war in Europe ended with Germany’s surrender on May 7, 1945 and the war in pacific ended when Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945. Much of the fighting in World War 2 took place in Europe and in Southeast Asia. World War 2 claimed around 70 million people. Both World War 1 and 2 were man-made.
The present COVID-19 crisis is truly a global battle for survival. The enemy is unseen and anyone can be its target. Since 31 December 2019 and as of May 5, 2020, Three million, five hundred and forty four thousands, two hundred and twenty two (3,544,222) cases of COVID-19 have been reported, including 250,977 death. COVID-19 is not a respecter of any individual. It has infected Prime Minister, Celebrities, Politicians, Technocrats, Administrators, Entrepreneurs, Executives and even Prisoners. COVID-19 is truly an enemy to all humanity. While World War 1 and 2 were fought among military personnel with civilian casualties, COVID-19 is being fought my healthcare workers with civilian casualties. 21 gun salute to all frontline healthcare workers who are the true heroes of this current global war.
For every war in history, dialogue and unity of purpose had led to final victory for the world. I strongly believe that all nations must work together to defeat this common enemy. While efforts are ongoing to produce vaccine against COVID-19 in developed countries, the world should not neglect few promising cures for COVID-19 from developing countries. One of these promising cures is the herbal mixture from Madagascar. Clinical trial should be carried out on this herbal mixture in developed countries and if the mixture efficacy and safety passed the clinical trial, it should be massively produced for the world. Perhaps, the solution to this current war is not in sophisticated design of drugs using science and technology, maybe, just maybe it is in nature.
In times of war, what matters most is survival. Everyone who is intelligent enough know that this global battle against COVID-19 will be over. When? We don’t currently know, but it will be over. Therefore, protect yourself and your loved ones. Practice good hygiene, social distancing and other safety measures has advised by Experts. Manage whatever resources you have right now. Be positive and be prepared for life after COVID-19.
Stay safe. Stay strong.
Is COVID-19 the real First World War? Let us know what you think in the comment session.
Sesan Kareem is a pharmacist, performance coach and author. He writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
