Never had I seen so much panic in the last 3 decades of my understanding; never had I imagined a disease would breakout in this 21st century and defeat the understanding of many. Never had I thought that modern science and technology would fail to quickly innovate a vaccine to terminate a virus spreading so fast throughout nations. Never had I thought that Africa would be at an advantage over the western world in the area of health. All this has indeed happened in the year 2020.

With the outbreak of Corona virus, all world countries have been shaken. The irony of the matter is that it’s the first world countries that have been worst hit by this pandemic.

This all begun in China last year when Corona virus that spreads COVID 19 was discovered in Wuhan, China. The rest of the world thought it would end there and not move out to affect other countries. The symptoms were of flu and cough, it easily spread through touching contaminated surfaces. How could we selfishly think its a Chinese problem?

With increased technology, the world has quickly become a global village. Millions of business people from Africa and Europe have been flooding China in the last years for trade. It’s been a hub of industrialization and a very convenient supplier of so many articles ranging from food, electricals, machinery, clothing, furniture, medical stuff and so many others. Never had anyone thought that their would be a stall in merchandise flowing from China to African ports! Never had anyone thought that such an Industrial powerhouse could be shaken by Corona virus.

As the virus killed more Chinese, it was only natural for all foreigners to quickly flee from this country back to their homeland to ensure their safety. This innocent move has seen the spread on the virus to the neighboring China i.e. Japan, South Korea; to Arab countries such as Iran and to Europe as well where it has killed over 1000 people with Italy the worst hit in this area. America and United Kingdom have not been spared as new infections are realized almost everyday. This has caused panic as almost all countries have closed schools, public places and churches. In Italy, France and Spain, citizens have been requested to stay at home and not go to work in a bid to curb the spread of this virus. This has left streets that were once vibrant empty of people. Never has a disease caused so much fear and insecurity in the first world!!

Slowly, the Corona virus has reached the African continent as well and though cases are still few, our leaders have done us proud this time round. They are proactive and sensitization is being done in all countries; numerous messages on prevention are being spread which is a good thing.

Listening to the state of Nation address yesterday by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni opened my eyes to the severity of COVID 19 should it hit our country. He mentioned that over 1.2million people in Uganda are living with HIV/Aids and another 800,000 ailing with diabetes, hypertension, pneumonia and cancer. Currently these people are surviving with these ailments, however in the unlikely event that they are to contract COVID 19, their body’s immunity may not be able to withstand the virus thus causing death. He based on this to urge Ugandans to sanitize their hands, be mindful of their hygiene and keep away from congested places. The president also closed schools, churches and other public places that could pause a high risk for Ugandans and expose them to Corona virus.

The Christian in me was not happy with the closure of churches but I shall comply so as to inhibit spread of Corona. I also quickly recalled that I’m the church, I’m the body of Christ; I’m the temple of the Holy Spirit; now is the time to seek God more than ever. Only He can redeem the world from the fear and panic that has gripped us. Our help solely comes from him and not from elsewhere.

One would think modern science could help find a solution, or modern technology would curb this spread; or stopping all flights to the various countries and closing boarders would help but all these are not guarantee. Our only guarantee is God. The bible says; He’s our ever present help in time of need. Such times should remind us of his faithfulness and should draw us closer to him. Remember, no pandemic is too great for him, He is our deliverer, the great physician and is gracious to forgive our sin and restore all that’s lost.