The 15 COVID-19 Questions every Health Minister should be asking

#WorldHealthOrganization – March 3, 2020 — A string of questions and whether they can be answered in the affirmative will give governments and citizens of the countries of the world clear perspective about readiness for COVID-19, the new coronavirus which has claimed over 3,100 lives in its three-month existence.

Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, World Health Organisation Director General listed the probing questions during a news conference on Thursday February 27, 2020.

Dr. Ghebreyesus informed the watching world that the earnest and honest response of the various Ministers of Health will be the indicator of a country’s true preparedness for the coronavirus.

The first question points to an eventuality that many countries either hope or had hoped would never come; the arrival of COVID-19 within its borders.

Question one: “Are we ready for the first case?”

The second question is a natural follow-up and asks: “What will we do when the first case arrives?”

Since no one wants to see a community spread of coronavirus, the Director General pointed to the next focus which, according to him, must be:  “Do we have an isolation unit ready to go?”

The rapid rate at which COVID-19 has infected people of countries around the world has stretched capacity; human and supplies alike.

Dr. Ghebreyesus advised, Health Ministers must literally check stock and question, “Do we have enough medical oxygen, ventilators and other vital equipment?”

Travel and global connectivity by air and sea have made this virus go viral in record time; it is nearly impossible to ascertain who is where and where people may end up.

The Director General is asking for health care leaders to consider this mobility of people in their plans, with this question:  “How will we know if there are cases in other areas of the country?”

Establishing protocols in the public and private sector is also critical, especially for medical professionals. 

The question should be: “Is there a reporting system that all health facilities are using and a way to raise an alert if there is a concern?”

Additionally, the question: “Do our health workers have the training and equipment they need to stay safe?”

Thousands of health care workers have been sickened by coronavirus, some have also died.

Standard practices must also be established among these health practitioners and the WHO advises that it should be asked: “Do our health workers know how to take samples correctly from patients?”

Travel restrictions, advisories and bans have been imposed in order to contain the spread of coronavirus.  The $7.6 trillion travel and tourism industry, despite being a significant economic driver, has been put second place when possible infections have turned up at borders; doors are being slammed shut on plane and boat loads of passengers.

Dr. Ghebreyesus said Health Ministers must ensure they can satisfactorily answer this question, which is:  “Do we have the right measures at airports and border crossings to test people who are sick?”

Accuracy and expediency are also sought after, as health care system managers aim to determine as soon as possible who is or is not carrying COVID-19. 

The WHO offered this question to assist proficiency: “Do our labs have the right chemicals that allow them to test samples?”

It has been widely communicated that COVID-19 has proven fatal for the elderly and those with serious pre-existing health conditions.  Medical teams must know: “Are we ready to test patients with severe or critical disease?”

Another question helps to circumvent complications for Coronavirus patients; “Do our hospitals and clinics have the right procedures to prevent and control infections?”

Already, there are disturbing accounts of fear-filled citizens who are rowdily rejecting their own people due to well-founded concerns of contracting the potentially deadly COVID-19.  The WHO is strongly advocating against stigmatization and asks Health leaders to consider this…

“Do our people have the right information; do they know what the disease looks like? In 90 percent (of patients) it is a fever and in 70 percent (of patients) it is a dry cough.”

Fake news and fear-mongering are popular but counter-productive pastimes for far too many individuals in this social media age.  Dr. Ghebreyesus challenges leaders to come up with a strategy for media messaging.

“Are we ready to fight rumors and misinformation with clear and simple messages that people can understand?”

The final and fifteenth question is likely the most critical.

“Are we able to have our people on our side to fight this outbreak?”

The war being waged against COVID-19 is futile without community buy-in.  Messages about hygiene and trust of people to self-quarantine are all dependent upon a symbiotic relationship hinged on a shared desire of governments and people to preserve the health of the nation.  The impact of the coronavirus has proven this healthiness encompasses both human lives and the economies which sustain them.