Youth speak on Jajarkot outbreak
KATHMANDU, April 25: Recently, an epidemic broke out in Jajarkot which claimed more than two dozen lives. With health care troops deployed by the government, and doctors and health workers volunteering to check its further outbreak, the situation is under control. Nonetheless, this leaves a big question on our part—what could we, as general public and youth, do about it? News of swine flu in the Capital and around still makes headlines, but are we even taking the necessary precautions? We asked few passerbys their opinion.
Here's what they have to say.
Kumudini Subedi, 30, Doctor
Swadharma: A sense of natural harmony and clarity
Regarding the issue on Jajarkot, there should be stronger emphasis on health care services. Government should pay greater attention to these areas; so far two health care teams have been sent there which is great but more of them are needed there. Also there has been few misreportings—patients who died of some other cause too have been reported under influenza. That should be reduced if we want apt solution to the problem. Regarding the swine flu dread in the town, to some extent it’s true. However as long as your immune system is working, you should be fine. Nonetheless, it is always good to take cautious measures like wearing masks and practicing good personal hygiene.
Shrisha Nepal, 20, Student
It’s sad that for a long time people in Jajarkot didn’t know what was happening to them. So many things happened in such a less time and thankfully at least something is being done about it by our government. Youths can definitely play an effective role regarding this issue. Firstly they need to be aware of it themselves and then communicate it or share it through social media, that way they will be pressurizing the government to take corrective action. I believe youths need to be involved in these issues one way or the other. Regarding the swine flu panic in the town, it’s best if people take basic precautions, like hand washing and wearing a face mask; I do that too. An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.
Nishant Tulachan, 17, Student
News about swine flu has been doing the rounds for quite some time now. The case of Jajarkot has been a dreadful one. In Kathmandu itself, many people were reported to have been diagnosed with swine flu. But I only started wearing a mask from yesterday as I learned from a doctor that its risk has significantly increased now. I think people still aren’t much aware about swine flu, so it’s extremely important to raise awareness among them so that they can learn about its precaution. Doctors who go to those areas must also be provided with good facilities. Hospitals should also be well equipped in order to facilitate checkup and provide necessary treatment.
Khadananda Chalise, 38, Businessman
I got the information about swine flu through Facebook and national newspapers. I used to put on a mask earlier but these days I don’t wear one because it sort of hampered my communication with customers. Whatever happened in Jajarkot is really sad, and all of us should try to help them feel better in whatever way we can. It goes without saying that it’s up to the government to provide good health facilities and medicine in time. Also, people should understand that precaution is always better than cure. Similarly, it should be ensured that the doctors working there aren’t in risk themselves. They should also be provided with the economic support they deserve in order to keep up their motivation.
Anshu Poudyal, 17, Student
I heard about the flu in Jajarkot when I was watching the news a few days ago, but when I heard a large number of people had already died and many more are still affected, I was surprised. There isn’t much we can do about what has already happened, but what we can do is be aware ourselves and spread awareness to reduce risks. In my view, lack of awareness is the main reason a preventable and curable flu took this nasty form. Also what youth can do is help those in need by volunteering or simply collecting funds for the necessary medical facilities. As for the precautions I follow, it’s the basic we do for everything—stay clean, wash hands, avoid dust, and wear a mask. People should stay aware of the symptoms and also, go to the doctor even upon the slightest suspicion, because prevention is always better than cure.
