Essay on Ethiopia Confronts Challenge of Covid-19: Weak Healthcare System and Geography Prone to Spread

Introduction

In Ethiopia, March 13 was the day the government confirmed the first case of coronavirus. The arrival of Covid-19 in Ethiopia has made the country to suffer a daunting challenge. One would understand that Ethiopia is one of the countries with a weak system of healthcare services. Apart from that, Ethiopia's geographical position is prone to the spread or transmission of the disease. With the condition being favorable, the country is more likely to suffer a massive outbreak if the correct measures are not taken into consideration. However, it calls for a full lockdown, which has been effective in countries such as Italy and China. Although the measure will cause a lot of diverse effects on the country, for instance, lockdown will make the citizens deprived about millions of their livelihood, with the most affected being the people who live on a daily wage. The government of Ethiopia has now pursued the middle path. Even until now, the government has failed to call for lockdown. Instead, a strong measure has been taken to prevent a meeting of at least four people. The government has declared that for people walking down the street, their mouths should be covered with inter-city public transport being suspended. However, failure to manage the variables carefully with the following few weak will imply that unrest risks are likely to increase with the people turning to the government for help.

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The Impact of the Virus on the Population of Ethiopia

Millions of the Ethiopia population thrive under a declaration of the government to shut down the use of phone services, and the internet in Western Oromia is ignored during this pandemic that puts their health risks. Even before covid-19 arrived in Ethiopia, the residents of western Oromia had been facing multiple challenges after the military conducted their operation against rebel forces. In rural areas, people can hardly access health care services. One case was reported in July 2019 about a man who was looking for a ventilator for her sister before she succumbs to pneumonia. Since the government of Ethiopia has put various restrictions, the local and international aid groups can assess the outbreak of a disease and give adequate assistance.

Ethiopian population does not get accurate and timely information during this pandemic because of poor infrastructure caused by the covid-19 outbreak. The citizens can hardly access water and sanitation equipment. The government has declined to restore network and phone access that would mean that key information does not reach everyone, such as humanitarian organizations and healthcare workers in western Oromia.

The Mitigating Efforts That the Government Is Taking To Stem the Spread

The Ethiopian government has implemented some of the basic measures needed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and increase its awareness. Currently, the Ministry of Health appeals for the end of harassment and discrimination of foreigners provides an extra sign language to coronavirus promotional materials and regular updates. Currently, Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister, is the manager of the logistics and distribution of the supplies, as mentioned above. The government of Ethiopia has declared that closure of schools and any public gathering

Impact of the Virus on People Living In the Country Who Are Non-Citizens

Following the declaration of a state of emergency by Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, on the stop of the spread of coronavirus, the country seeks for help. Jack Ma Foundation has partnered with the Ethiopian government to aid in the distribution of protective suits, face shields, masks, and coronavirus testing kits to the 54 countries in Africa. Other non-government organization, also creates masks to be sold to the public at lower prices. However, these non-government organizations must comply with the restrictions declared by the government of Ethiopia.

The Impact of the Virus on People Living In the Country Who Are Non-Citizens

The government encourages current foreigners to stay put in the nation. Ethiopian Airlines has been stopped every passenger's flights and rely on cargos. Coffee, flower, and commodities of exports are either totally stopped or are in a standstill. Since Ethiopia still has an informal economic sector, the country has few micro-businesses that can create jobs for its public. The presence of foreigners is vital for the country to maintain a strong strategy and policy that can help in supporting medium, small, and micro-enterprises for recovery and sustainability. Ideally, most of the informal sectors and small firms are missing from economic analysts who depend on statistical estimations and figures.

Foreigners are prevented from coming because of coronavirus has affected the unemployment rate in Ethiopia. Since the majority of the population are youth, the restriction of the flight as affected their movements and gathering in urban sectors. In other words, the coronavirus outbreak has a huge implication on the youths and foreigners that needs to be addressed. In essence, the global recession will affect the country's capital and current account.

Important Issues Related To the Culture of the Country That Impact the Response to the Virus

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease has affected the scheduled election that was to be conducted in the country. The electoral board suspended the preparation for the election process based on the risk it may have on human health. However, because of the covid-19 outbreak, it will be difficult for the government to reassures the opposition that by postponing the election process, they will not have the guts to develop a tactical advantage of grasping more powers ahead of voting in the future.