In Tanzania, the impact of the virus cannot be calculated, as the government has not published any data for months and says it is free from COVID-19. This while a strange disease is affecting this country.
“This problem is not generalized, it has only occurred in Ifumbo, where people vomit blood and die if they arrive late at the hospital,” said Dr. Felista Kisandu about a strange disease that she assures could turn into an epidemic. to make a statement that violates the law. Because of the action, she was removed from her post by Tanzania’s Minister of Health, Dorothy Gwajima.
The controversy arises when the African country receives worldwide attention due to the government’s disinterest in acquiring vaccines against COVID-19 and refuses to accept that it is infected, even assuring that the country is “COVID-19-free.”
On Saturday, Kisandu was consulted at a rally by a group of politicians about the onset of a strange disease that has so far killed about 15 people and has another 50 in critical condition, explaining that the problem only occurred in Ifumbo .
Weston Mpyila, a local councilor for the region, asked if the government is aware of the disease and if it is taking steps to combat the disease. Kisandu said samples had been taken and investigated but had not yet been informed about the disease. that affects the villagers.
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The doctor explained that the disease affects more men and they are the ones who have more liver complications and ulcers. In addition, he spoke of the ease of contamination and recommended that “avoid illegal drinks, smoking cigarettes and other alcoholic beverages”.
The message reached the ears of the national government. Before analyzing the case thoroughly or listening to the doctor’s arguments, she decided to suspend her for violating the 2009 public health law, interpreting her announcing the emergence of an epidemic. Minister Gwajima then warned that this privilege belongs to the Ministry of Health and that it would only do so after complete information on the subject.
“For causing unnecessary panic among residents, I order Dr. Felista Kisandu’s employer to suspend her from paving the way for investigations by the Medical Board and send me the report within ten days,” Gwajima said.
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Gwajima refuted the presence of an epidemic in Chunya and alerted the relevant authorities and media companies, asking them to be professionals in the collection and dissemination of information.
However, it is the government of President John Magufuli itself that has stopped providing reports to WHO on COVID-19, in addition to proclaiming that the pandemic can be eradicated through the power of prayers and disregarding measures of social distance.
In this East African country, there is little evidence and no plans for a vaccination program.
It is almost impossible to calculate the true extent of the virus and only a small number of people can officially speak on the subject.
Since last June, when President John Magufuli declared the country “covid-19-free,” he and other senior government officials have mocked the effectiveness of masks, wondered if the screening tests work and laughed. sanitary measures to contain the virus.
Magufuli also warned, without providing any evidence, that COVID-19 vaccines could be harmful and instead urged Tanzanians to use steam inhalation and herbal medications, none of which are approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) as therapy.