Kaburu Anthony: COVID-19 has demonstrated the profound inequalitie...

Kaburu Anthony: COVID-19 has demonstrated the profound inequalitie...: Within a few short months, COVID-19 has left a trail of devastation. It has severely affected our health and social welfare systems. In poo...

COVID-19 has demonstrated the profound inequalities in which we live

Within a few short months, COVID-19 has left a trail of devastation. It has severely affected our health and social welfare systems. In poorer countries, it has exacerbated another humanitarian crisis, where the fight between virus, hunger, and adequate hygiene has become a daily and ever growing battle and concern.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed our social, economic, health, and political inequalities on an unprecedented scale. We knew that we had inequalities between countries and within them but never had any external catastrophic event tested its substance, at the same time, all over the world.

Post pandemic, we cannot return to normal. Many countries are now forced to look at new ways to develop innovative policies, plans, and strategies that will inevitably have to reduce the vast inequalities and build more resilient and inclusive societies and economies.

Unfortunately not all countries have the financial and health resources to effectively fight or contain this pandemic, and without adequate resources the lives and livelihoods of millions of people are left hanging in the balance.

It is important at this juncture for all countries to commit to pull their resources together and partner to ensure that the most basic needs of people, especially the vulnerable, are cared for.

We have a commitment to each other as human beings to ensure that even those basic human rights and needs in a time like this should be upheld and protected amongst all other competing interests.

4 priorities in this current crisis

In my view, these four areas should be part of the most critical priorities in the global response:

First, access to affordable healthcare. COVID-19 is a universal health threat and therefore requires universal protective measures. The pandemic has exacerbated the pre-existing health inequities and lack of access to quality and affordable health care services. We should never forget to place higher importance to the lives of people than profit especially during and after COVID-19.

Second, coordinated research to develop treatments and vaccines. We cannot have scientists in different parts of the world working in isolation.

Third, humanitarian and food assistance. Many people are not aware of the extreme hunger pandemic the world faces too. An additional 135 million people could be pushed to the brink of starvation by the end of 2020. A global response must be developed and executed around this vital issue as the right to food and food security is a basic human right and critical for human survival everywhere.

And fourth, debt relief measures. For many poorer countries that have already suffered enormous economic loss due to the pandemic, debt repayments to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund must be suspended during this crisis.

Creating a better future

Unity amongst world leaders is needed. In unity, collaboration, and solidarity we can achieve more and hold each other at a greater level of accountability for our actions — or lack thereof — going forward.

This pandemic highlighted that no government is capable of handling crises on its own. They need the support and collaboration from private sector, faith based organisations, and NGOs.

An African proverb called “Ubuntu,” meaning humanity, is often translated as “I am because we are.” As a global human race we are connected and dependent on each other for our survival and progress. COVID highlights this interconnectedness more than ever. #EndInequalities #SDG10 #SDGs #FightCovid19 #GlobalProsperity #UnitedforHumanity

Kaburu Anthony: Counselors should be at the forefront of fighting ...

Kaburu Anthony: Counselors should be at the forefront of fighting ...: The coronavirus pandemic now presents us with a tragically similar, catastrophic moment. The human consequences we face—psychologically, ec...

Counselors should be at the forefront of fighting COVID19

The coronavirus pandemic now presents us with a tragically similar, catastrophic moment. The human consequences we face—psychologically, economically, and socially—are just beginning. But this time, it’s not just any of our countries but global.

All of us are bombarded daily with messages and information related to the pandemic. As this virus garners heightened attention from the media, individuals may have difficulty delineating between misinformation and accurate information about the illness.

I am not writing this article to perpetuate increased fear among the counseling community regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus, but rather to:

·         Provide resources helpful for staying informed about the impact of COVID-19, which is a disease caused by SARS-Cov-2

·         Inform counseling professionals about how they can support those affected by the virus and its societal impact

What does this outbreak mean for certain descents?

Individuals who identify as East Asian or appear to be of East Asian descent may be susceptible to experiencing elevated levels of stress related to racism and xenophobia generated by misinformation about the virus.

The negative impact on affected individuals ranges from financial and emotional to physical. For example, CNN reported that individuals who appear East Asian have fallen victim to verbal and physical attacks triggered by misguided fears of the infection.

Additionally, individuals may be quarantined as a result of suspicions that they have been infected, leading to further stress. People who are directly impacted by this wave of racism and xenophobia may experience a vulnerability and lack of safety, perpetuating stress- and trauma-related symptoms.

Although the economic impact of this pandemic has since spread throughout the restaurant industry (and other industries), many Chinese establishments, such as restaurants, were among the first to experience a major decline of business even before community mitigation plans were announced.

 The financial hit on these establishments has been catastrophic for owners and their families. We must be ready to employ the proper interventions and responses to promote clients’ perseverance, resilience and well-being throughout the tensions that plague our society.

Of course, many individuals in the general public are fearful (or may become fearful) of contracting the virus. The anticipation of the potential long-term effects of the virus can trigger individual fear and stress-based responses.

In addition, an array of compounding or simultaneous stressors can negatively affect individuals’ stress response systems in a chronic manner, meaning that there is no break to return to a healthy physiological state and functioning. These compounding or simultaneous stressors may include:

·         Uncertainty about what might happen next to one’s life and health

·         The exponential curve of virus-confirmed cases and deaths in the nation as reported in the media

·         No access or difficulty in accessing health benefits

·         Financial constraints due to a recent job loss caused by the pandemic

Stress-based responses may be worsened among those who lack resources such as social support. This brings us to the reality that many nations and communities have executed states of emergency, prompting individuals and families to enter into social isolation. Considering the potential negative psychological effects that may be manifested by social isolation, mental health professionals must be ready to intervene and provide support.

Social distancing, taken as a preventive measure to slow the spread of the disease, largely compromises individuals’ daily functioning. People are experiencing disruptions not just in the areas of employment and schooling but also in accessing emotional support from others or even in having regular interactions with others.

 Individuals who may not have access to technology to virtually stay connected with significant others for emotional support are especially susceptible to social isolation. Social isolation is a risk factor for a number of health-related concerns, including depression.

As the virus continues to ravage communities around the world, it is also important to note that people everywhere are experiencing the loss of their prepandemic normalcy. As a result, many individuals are having feelings associated with grief. Although this pandemic is hypothesized to be temporary, the impact on lives may be much longer term.

Consider that many nonessential businesses have closed their doors, leaving employees without work or a sustainable income to support their families. Most individuals at this point are restrained from engaging in social endeavors such as participating in team sports, attending classes, visiting museums or engaging in other fun-related activities.

Most people can no longer meet up with friends or family for regular social events and may feel a sense of loss as their former routines vanish. Social distancing has also called for the cancellation or postponement of important events such as college and high school graduations, preventing new graduates from sharing in a momentous celebration with one another.

Furthermore, the mortality rate associated with COVID-19 continues to rise. People around the world are experiencing the deaths of loved ones and fellow community members. Additionally, family members are assuming the role of caretakers as their vulnerable loved ones fall ill to the virus. As the responsibility to care for loved ones increases, individuals may have to forfeit or abstain from other regular tasks and duties.

Recommendations for counselors

Anxiety management: It is understandable that clients may feel anxious about this situation. Counselors should normalize and validate clients’ fears. Counselors should also talk about factors that they can and cannot control.

Some factors that can be controlled include getting regular exercise, making plans to meet with friends and loved ones over virtual platforms, determining their exposure to news sources, practicing good personal hygiene, and limiting the time spent in places such as grocery stores where there may be larger crowds.

If clients appear stressed and anxious about the situation, it is a good idea for counselors to help them gain the facts so that they can accurately determine their risks in collaboration with their health care providers and take reasonable precautions. Additionally, it is ideal to assist in developing and enhancing adaptive coping skills, such as grounding techniques or breathing exercises, so that they can effectively manage their anxiety.

Information giving: It is important that counselors stay aware of the latest information available on the COVID-19 outbreak through their local public health authorities and on websites such as those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) frequently publishes coronavirus disease situation reports to provide updated information on the outbreak in the world. The WHO website also provides reader-friendly infographics and videos pertaining to protecting yourself and others from getting sick, coping with stress during the pandemic, practicing food safety, and staying healthy while travelling.

Counselors should also encourage people to stay informed by providing the aforementioned resources.

Culturally responsive service in clinical practice: Counselors can serve as protective and promotive factors when working with individuals who are either directly or indirectly impacted by the coronavirus. Counselors can promote the well-being through the establishment of safety in the therapeutic process and providing them with the opportunity to process the implications of this societal issue.

Additionally, counselors can facilitate the process of healing and assist in mediating factors that contribute to individuals’ vulnerability and risk. Therapy can be the catalyst for adaptability to stressors and adversity brought on by the anticipation of potential consequences from the spread of the virus.

It is crucial that counselors uphold the ethical principles of the profession, including beneficence, nonmaleficence, veracity, justice, fidelity and autonomy, when working. Counselors must be attuned to clients’ well-being and do no harm, as well as treating all individuals fairly and justly. Counselors must normalize and validate concerns while also providing accurate psychoeducation to communities.

Counselors should also be aware that certain ethnic groups, such as those of East Asian descent, may be experiencing additional stressors. President Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to the novel coronavirus as the “Chinese virus” because of its origin in China.

 I believe such language has contributed to the significant and disproportionate number of verbal and physical attacks on individuals of East Asian descent living in different countries globally.

I therefore encourage counselors to address these social and societal challenges, including how such challenges may be affecting their well-being. Counselors should be ready to advocate and provide a voice for individuals who may be marginalized and oppressed due to the societal impact of the outbreak.

Conclusion

We humans are resilient. We can bend the arc of crisis toward the light, to recovering our existing but overwhelmed capabilities. We can achieve this in a variety of ways. We can practice self-care. This isn't an act of selfishness but is rather like putting on your own oxygen mask before trying to help your friend or loved one do the same. We can stay connected to the people we care about. We can eat well, get sufficient sleep, take a walk.

Finally, I encourage all counseling professionals to partake in preventative measures against further expansion of COVID-19 globally. After all, prevention is one of the philosophical cornerstones of the counseling profession.

My hope is that this article will give professional counselors and counseling students an opportunity to educate the community with accurate information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, I hope that professional counselors are informed and effectively equipped to provide support for those who are affected by the virus and its societal impact.

Kaburu Anthony: COVID19 Lock-downs leave thousands of young girls ...

Kaburu Anthony: COVID19 Lock-downs leave thousands of young girls ...: The COVID-19 pandemic is already having a devastating effect on families, communities and economies across the globe. Today, nine out of 10...

COVID19 Lock-downs leave thousands of young girls vulnerable to sexual abuse

The COVID-19 pandemic is already having a devastating effect on families, communities and economies across the globe. Today, nine out of 10 children are in lockdown in their homes as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Schools are closed, social services are disrupted and movement is curtailed as family’s shelter in their homes. But for too many young girls, their homes are not safe places. Experience shows that during health emergencies, children—especially young girls—face increased risk of sexual exploitation and abuse.

We are already beginning to see a rise in domestic abuse during the shutdown, and I can predict that sexual abuse of children, especially young girls, is also going to increase as the crisis continues. As families are confined and young girls spend more time at home, they are more vulnerable to prolonged sexual abuse without the interruption of school and other normal daily activities.

Additionally, abusers may feel more secure to act with increased impunity as access to social services dwindle and external interactions are further restricted. And with the current situation curtailing young girls’ ability to seek refuge outside their homes, the likelihood of them escaping from their abusers is bleak.

During times of economic insecurity, such as what we’re now seeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, households and families often react with negative coping strategies such as substance abuse, increased debt and transactional sex.

Another is child marriage, which can be seen as a last resort during economic shocks and limited access to basic services.

Faced with the challenge of providing for daughters—and often with limited access to health, education and protection services—some families are likely to marry their girl children off to older men in an attempt to gain some measure of financial security. With the COVID-19 pandemic predicted to push half a billion people into poverty, there will likely be a resulting surge in child marriages in many parts of the world.

Girls who are married as children face a host of negative outcomes, including poorer health, teenage pregnancy, reduced lifetime earnings and dropping out of school. These outcomes extend beyond the individual consequences faced by the girls, to losses borne by their families, communities and countries as a result of child marriage.

At national and global levels, lost earnings and persistent poverty linked to child marriage result in lost economic potential amounting to over US $26 billion annually.

Now Is the Time to Address the Root Causes of Violence

Experience from the Ebola crisis in Africa and other acute emergencies strongly suggests that girls and women will be disproportionately affected, particularly amongst the poorest and socially marginalized groups.

But wait; COVID-19 does not cause sexual violence against young girls, teenage pregnancy or child marriage. These outcomes are driven by existing gender inequalities and harmful gender norms that are exacerbated in times of crisis by economic shocks, forced confinement and increased stress. And they can be mitigated by a range of potential interventions.

For girls who are not in school, engaging them in productive activities with other girls in their age group can limit time spent around older men. In cases where girls are receiving online tutoring, educators can be trained to watch out for and report girls demonstrating unusual behavior.

Ensuring that girls, their families and their communities receive access to appropriate information is also crucial for mitigating sexual abuse. This can range from providing information on available support services for potential victims of sexual violence to providing targeted information to boys about appropriate sexual behaviors towards girls in this lockdown period.

Other actions include ensuring pregnant girls can continue their education; providing economic support to families with integrated sensitization on the importance of girls’ education; and engaging men and boys in addressing harmful gender norms and recognizing the value of girls’ education.

Taken together, these interventions cannot only address near-term scenarios, but also the underlying causes and root problems—and spur greater wellbeing for girls and their families in both the near- and long-term. #StopCOVID19 #StopTeenageMarriages #GenderEquality #EndTeenageSexualAbuse #EndSexualViolence