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#UniteWithoutBorders: Health Expert Devi Sridhar On Effects Of Coronavirus And How To Cope With It

#UniteWithoutBorders: Health Expert Devi Sridhar On Effects Of Coronavirus And How To Cope With It

Highlights

  1. Health expert Devi Sridhar emphasises on importance of groups like MSF
  2. Ms Sridhar explains the current situation of the Coronavirus pandemic
  3. Ms Sridhar says Coronavirus is picking up the pace
New Delhi: 

COVID-19 continues making its roots stronger across the world, with each passing day. Amidst this, we should not forget medical caregivers and healthcare professionals who are fighting against COVID-19 on the frontline. In an effort to support frontline warriors, NDTV in collaboration with the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the independent medical organisation has initiated a campaign ‘Unite Without Borders'. The campaign aims at raising funds to support the MSF's medical caregivers by providing them with essential equipment and containing the outbreak by distributing masks and hygiene kits to keep thousands of the most vulnerable people protected.

Also Read: WHO's David Nabarro Joins #UniteWithoutBorders, Highlights The Importance Of Investing In Public Healthcare

As part of the campaign #UniteWithoutBorders, a two-hour special telethon was organised which was joined by Devi Sridhar, Professor of Global Public Health, University of Edinburgh and Founding Director, Global, Health Governance Programme. At the telethon, Ms Sridhar spoke about the importance of groups like Doctors Without Borders in fighting global pandemics and said,

They are incredibly important because I think this is a virus and a disease that, if you do need medical care and you do not get it; you will die from this. And these groups that are providing this medical care are saving lives and doing very valuable work that we should all applaud and support.

Ms Sridhar further explained the current situation of the Coronavirus and how to cope up with it. Talking about the wide range of symptoms of COVID-19 and how it affects the human body, Ms Sridhar said,

The virus can present the classic symptoms which are, fever and dry cough. But increasingly it can also present as a loss of taste or smell. As well as others coming into hospitals with, like, blood clots in their lungs, or having a heart attack or heart issues. It's a multi-system disease which means it can affect the lungs, the heart, the kidneys, blood flow. And so it's recognising a wide range of presentation when you come in and also when you treat patients, the wide range of symptoms you will need to treat.

Also Read: #UniteWithoutBorders: Protecting The Frontline Warriors - Medical Caregivers In The Fight Against Coronavirus Pandemic

As on June 28, the world has reported over 1 crore cases of COVID-19. Of this, India accounts for 5.28 lakh cases of Novel Coronavirus. Talking about the constant increase in the number of cases and where do we stand with the curve of the virus, Ms Sridhar said,

Daily new records are being set for increasing cases. First it was 1,00,000 daily new cases and then it was 1,50,000, now it is 1,80,000-1,90,000. And I wouldn't be surprised if we are at 200,000 within days. So, it's really picking up the pace and taking off. We are still on the upper trend; just at the start to middle of this pandemic, unfortunately.

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About The Campaign

About The Campaign

COVID-19 remains a health emergency and a deadly threat, especially to the most vulnerable. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been responding to the global pandemic since it began. MSF doctors and nurses are treating patients and supporting communities across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia.

Now the independent medical organisation is starting operations to combat COVID-19 in India. By setting up dedicated medical facilities to treat COVID-19 patients in Govandi, Mumbai and Patna in Bihar – where needs are huge and growing - and improving hygiene and sanitation among at-risk communities, MSF is working hard to save lives and contribute to the fight against COVID-19.

We need your help to deliver this urgently needed care. Your money will go to support MSF’s frontline medical staff and healthcare workers, supplying them with essential technical equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE), plus mental-health support for medical staff working during this stressful time. Your contributions will also go towards containing the outbreak by providing masks and hygiene kits to keep thousands of the most vulnerable people protected.

*Disclaimer: NDTV is the broadcast partner for a 2-hour telethon by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to raise donations to combat COVID-19 virus. The donations are received by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and shall be utilized according to a plan prepared and monitored by them. 

 

NDTV has no role to play in the use of donations and will not be liable for any claim(s) made by any person or entity, including any statutory or governmental authority, aris ing out of the collection or utilization of these donations.

 

The global prices for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) have been fluctuating  dramatically since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Because of this the price mentioned for a full PPE kit - face protection, goggles and mask or face shield, gloves, gown or coverall, head cover, rubber boots - may not reflect the final purchase price. As well as being able to procure PPE in necessary numbers, MSF also requires it to be of a necessary standard. The volatility of the global PPE market is likely to continue, which is why MSF has been calling for a form of regulation to allow equitable and reliable distribution of medical equipment and PPE that is of necessary minimum quality.

The cost mentioned is for a kit for a caregiver and not a single PPE kit.​​