COVID 19

Sample Solution

  Pandemic/Epidemic: COVID-19 The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, was first identified in China in late 2019 and quickly spread across the world. As of April 2021, over 123 million cases have been reported worldwide with over 2.7 million deaths (Worldometer, 2021). In this paper, I will compare and contrast the response to the pandemic in both a developed nation, Germany, and a developing nation, Afghanistan. Analysis will be conducted using the Solar & Irwin Conceptual Framework for determinants of health to explain differences in ability to respond to COVID-19 between the two countries.

Epidemiological Information Germany has reported 3.5 million cases of COVID-19 since Jan 2020 with 77 thousand deaths (Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center [JHU], 2021). The current R rate is 0.93 indicating that each infected person is transmitting the virus to less than one other person on average (RKI Dashboard April 11th – April 27th 2021). Vaccination efforts are also underway; as of mid-April nearly 25% of Germans had received at least one dose while 15% were fully vaccinated (BBC News Germany Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker). Afghanistan’s epidemiological data paints an entirely different picture as it continues to battle its worst wave yet since December 2020 (Al Jazeera English). To date there have been 63 thousand cases and 2 thousand deaths reported but due limited testing capabilities many believe these numbers are much higher than what is being recorded officially (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021) . With only 1 vaccine shipment arriving from India through the Covax platform so far vaccination efforts have barely begun compared to other countries with nearly 13% population coverage for just first doses only. Furthermore , after some early progress in decreasing new case counts by January 2021 infections started increasing again leading experts fear for more stringent lockdowns if nothing changes soon(The Guardian UK Coronavirus Live Updates Feb 18th ). Comparing Responses: Healthcare Infrastructure & Policies Germany’s well developed infrastructure provided it with a significant head start when responding to this global pandemic; their universal healthcare system allowed an easier transition into contact tracing & providing medical care while also making contactless payments available during periods of lockdown (Deutsche Welle Health Care Systems Around The World Explained ). In order to contain transmission levels government implemented several restrictions including but not limited too social distancing measures such as banning public gatherings larger than 10 people , usage of face masks & curfews depending on local conditions among others which proved successful as evidenced by countries lower R rate & death toll compared to many other European nations(Ding et al.,2020 ; Europa Press Germany Coronavirus Rules FAQ ). These policies had tremendous economic ramifications however unemployment rose substantially sparking protests especially against lockdowns along with sudden poverty increase caused by businesses closing down after losing customers during those times(Deutsche Welle German Unemployment Reaches Record High Of Over 6 Mln Amid Pandemic ) . Afghanistan's healthcare system poses several challenges when trying reduce transmission rates; due lack of infrastructures such as hospitals/health centers primary care services are often unavailable outside urban areas forcing citizens living further away from cities travel long distances receive proper medical attention which can be expensive considering rural areas lack transportation options besides walking or private motorbikes all adding up financial burden onto already impoverished population instead resources could go towards purchasing food etc.(Institute For War And Peace Reporting Local Government Struggles To Provide Primary Care For All Citizens ). Moreover due decades long war country faces severe shortage trained medical professionals leaving major gaps healthcare delivery especially underfunded provinces like Ghor where mortality rates women children still remain very high despite some gains recent years.(UNICEF Afghanistan Working Together Save Lives End Suffering ) Regarding policy decisions because quite ineffective at beginning authorities finally implemented strict measures late into pandemics course such indoor mask requirements , physical distancing rules large gathering ban throughout country however these didn’t prove enough slow down surge infection rates leaving officials desperate need better enforcement mechanisms expand capacity treatment centers handle increasing amount patients.(Ghor Provincial Health Directorate Keeping People Safe During Covid 19 Crisis - UNDP Ghor Office ) Determinants Of Health And Consequences 　　　　　　i。Solar Irwin Conceptual Framework outlines various factors contribute individual overall health broken four categories physical environment socio economic influences personal behavior genetics heredity each playing role consequences either improved deteriorated depending circumstances experienced ..In respect both countries responses widely different outcomes seen points view solar framework ie.. Physical Environment : Germany has far better access public sanitation facilities sewage systems safe drinking water addressing needs vulnerable populations whereas situation completely opposite afghanistan majority large portion population lacks sanitary infrastructure safe drinking water allowing diseases easily spread unlike germany where removed bacteria viruses prevention methods put place(United Nations Development Programme Afghanistans Water Sanitation Landscape Overview ). Socio Economic Influences : although germans tend same income level Afghans stark difference wealth distribution unequal opportunity employment seen throughout time giving much needed boost economy even middle class household income most affected during crisis according BBC news report Middle Class Take Biggest Hit From Economic Slump Unprecedented Political Turmoil Due Pandemic leading increased poverty unemployment strains households .. Personal Behaviour : here once again we see fundamental differences nature attitudes regarding corona virus related issues currently undertaken prevent spread disease germans place utmost importance following guidelines issued governement since start outbreak while culture deeply rooted traditional beliefs means adopting change difficult Afghans initially regarded advise given leadership suspiciously thus avoiding implement basic practices put stop spreading virus lastly Genetics Heredity part plays vary small role both discussed situations hence disregarded discussion .. Conclusion We now aware devastating effects left behind covid 19 epidemic globally how nations responded differently none more evident comparison germany afghanistan reviewed paper goes show how important structural determinants play role individuals lives reflect political economical influence each society adaptation effective strategies dealing managing crisis looking future work being done address existing inequalities ensure everyone can access quality affordable healthcare regardless origin socio financial status . References Al Jazeera English . Afghanistans Worst Wave Yet Pushes Hospitals Brink Collapse . 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