DISCRIMINATION IN QUARANTINE (A CASE STUDY OF Vietnam Zambia, Covid-19 Suspect)
“When I want to fetch water at a borehole all women could ran away leaving myself in fear of contacting the virus, I failed even to buy relish because they said the money I brought was contaminated, my children were chased away when they want to play with their peers”
This is what Vietnam’s wife explained as she was asked to narrate her situation in relation to her husband Vietnam Zambia who was one of a suspected COVID-19 patients in TA Bwananyambi in Mangochi District)
Vietnam Zambia hails from Mpira village in T.A Bwananyambi. He is 37 years old and married with 4 children (1 girl and 3 boys).
He came from South Africa some 2 months ago and was advised to be on quarantine for a period of 14 days as COVID-19 suspect by the health personnel. After 14 days he was certified negative from the corona virus by authorities.
During his quarantine period he tried to follow all the COVID-19 preventive measures such as putting on a mask, social distancing and avoiding movements. This information was granted by neighboring households. He insisted that although he was a suspect but he never experienced any sign or symptom.
Although Vietnam is negative from corona virus, he is worried with the high degree of discrimination prompted by neighboring communities. In the first place it was his father denying the situation of his son (Vietnam) that led him to threaten the health personnel up to the extent of suing them. The issue was resolved amicably by the health personnel and the village headman.
Other issues started emerging when Vietnam started putting on a mask as this was an indication that indeed he has corona virus. He further explained that many of his friends used to run away as soon as they see him. Some matrilineal relatives were even mobilizing themselves to chase him from the village because it was a threat to them. Thanks to the health personnel who tried their best to calm the situation.
When Titukulane staff and Mangochi health personnel visited him, they found that some neighbors are still discriminating the family. This incited the crew to have the post-COVID-19 canceling to neighboring household.
At the end of the meeting people were satisfied with the message and also, we invited Vietnam and his wife to be present at the meeting.At the end of everything we agreed with the health personnel responsible for the area and some local leaders to convene a meeting on Thursday, 01st October, 2020 to clarify and asset the danger of discrimination to COVID-19 suspected patients.
In this regard it is observed that post- COVID-19 cancelling is very important because it clears the mist and any misconception that people have against the suspected patient.