For Immediate Release

(Lusaka, 16th April, 2020) – Zambia Medical Association Chairperson for Public Health has predicted a surge of mental health challenges in the country and around the world in light of the Corona Virus epidemic. Dr Naeem Dalal says post traumatic stress has the potential to loom around for weeks and even months in communities, especially among medical personnel even after the Corona Virus is over, if it is not properly managed now. Dr Dalal says the most at risk of mental health challenges are health personnel because of them being in the front line in the fight against Covid-19. He has called on citizens and front line workers to limit daily intake of information surrounding the pandemic.
Dr Dalal has further called on health care providers to ask for help and support from their supervisors and peers when they feel overwhelmed. He stressed the need for emotional support from friends and families of health workers as well as friends and families of those infected with the virus. Dr Dalal also implored medical personnel in the front lines to communicate with others, reassure themselves of their value, read books or watch videos that calm them down and try their hardest to eat healthy. He added that enough sleep is needed for one to make logical decisions.

Dr Nalal also thanked communities who are supporting health care providers in different ways. He was speaking in Lusaka today at an international e-conference hosted by Texila American University dubbed “Covid19- Chit Chat with the Experts”.

Speaking at the same conference, Ministry of Health Assistant Director-Health Promotion, Dr Kalangwa Kalangwa emphasized the need for people to stay at home as much as possible. Dr Kalangwa however said that people in homes should continue with their normal interactions unless symptoms occur. He also urged people to maintain friendships with loved ones through online platforms and phone calls. He added that in places where social distancing is not possible, face masks are highly encouraged, especially homemade reusable masks.

And Texila American University Zambia Deputy Vice Chancellor has also called for creativity in schools to ensure that learning doesn’t end in light of Covid-19. Dr Vijayar Kumar Rajaranthinum highlighted the online classes that his university is conducting to ensure that students stay up to date with their studies.