Covid-19 and the Dialectics of Global Pandemics in Africa: Challenges, Opportunities and the Future of the Global Economy I

Description

The prevalence of global pandemics has been timeless and universal. In 1918, the Spanish Flue grounded Spain and her neighbours. In 1997, 2014 and 2020, the Ebola virus wreaked havoc in West Africa in the same manner that polio had ravaged the globe. Since 2019, the Coronavirus has forced most economies onto a downward spiral. Despite concerted global attempts at observing World Health Organization guidelines, the Coronavirus has been changing peoples' lives, forcing most economies onto their knees, endangering lives and livelihoods, making a mockery of global medicine and causing the widespread despair and helplessness that has come to be known as 'the new normal'. Unlike the other pandemics, the mayhem, complexities and dialectics caused by Covid-19 have been matchless, requiring a systematic study and necessitating a volume like this one. The volume's 16 well-researched chapters argue that despite Covid-19's enormous lessons and predictions about even greater future pandemics, humanity can ill-afford to relent in its determination to conquer the pandemic in the same way that human resolve has defeated past pandemic. As such, the volume provides hope and direction to the global community on how best to deal with Covid-19 and pandemics of similar or even higher magnitude in the future. Cover Title page Copyright page Editors and Contributors Contents Chapter 1 - The Dialectics of Covid-19 and Related Pandemics: An Introduction Introduction Chapter 2 - Interrogating Conditions Characterising COVID-19 Quarantine Centres in Zimbabwe Abstract Introduction Theoretical Framework and Methodological Concerns Flattering the Curve: A Practical Assessment Conclusion References Chapter 3 - The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Nigeria’s Economy and Socio-cultural Life: A study of Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region Abstract Introduction The Spread of COVID-19 and the Lockdown Measures in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Niger Delta People Economic Activities Social Distancing Regular Hand Washing Practice Ceremonies Domestic Violence Health Educational System Hunger Election and the Electoral System Crime and Criminality Factors to Cushion and Prevention of the Spread of COVID-19 Infection Stay at Home and No Visitation Social Distancing Hand Washing and Use of Sanitizer Face masks Face Shield Conclusion References Chapter 4 - COVID-19, the Wrath of God in Melting Economies? The Case of Zimbabweans in the Homeland and the Diaspora Abstract Introduction Theories Surrounding the Origins of Covid-19 God, the Diaspora and Epidemics Historical Background to Zimbabwe’s Economic Malaise Lockdowns as Implicitly Divine Curses Some Theological Reflections Conclusion References Chapter 5 - Contestations of Herbal Remedies on COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa Abstract Introduction Pandemics in Africa African Responses to Past Plagues Response to Covid-19 in Africa Madagascar and Covid-19 Organics (CVO) Ghana’s Response to Herbal Remedy COVID-19 Cure in Malawi Klaus Fiedler’s Book on Fake Healing Claims – An Overview Concluding Remarks and Recommendations References Chapter 6 - COVID-19, Weather Conditions, Food and the Immune System of Africans: Why Fatalities in Africa have Remained Relatively Low as Compared to Other Continents? Abstract Introduction Clarification of Concepts African Immune System Meteorological Conditions COVID-19 (Coronavirus) The History and Background of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Coronavirus Evolution Situating Africa COVID-19 in Africa Differences in Reliable Reporting and Death Registration Differences in Lockdown Stringency Differences in Demography Differences in Environmental Exposures COVID-19, the Weather Conditions in Africa and the Immune System of the Africans COVID-19 and the Weather Conditions in Africa The Weather and Climate in Africa The Environment and Respiratory Virus Transmission Temperature and SARS-CoV-2 The Immune System of the Africans Differences in Environmental Exposures and the Immune System of the Africans The Obesity Pandemic Obesity + Diabetes = “Diabesity” “Wild” Vegetables and Plants Baobab (muuyu ) Physical Exercise/ Activity Sleep Healthy Relationships Conclusion References Chapter 7 - Punishment, Prophecy and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Critical Discourse Analysis Abstract Introduction Critical Discourse Analysis and Conceptual Framework Israelites Plagues: Shaping Conceptualisation of Contemporary Pandemic as Punishment Prophetic Conceptualisation of the COVID-19 Pandemic Zimbabwean Cultural Dimension Reflections Conclusion References Chapter 8 - Theorising COVID-19 and the Dialectics of Global Pandemics: Where the World Missed the Point? Abstract Introduction Theories on the Genesis of Covid-19 Pandemic Theorising the Theories Where the Governments of the World Missed the Point? Some Theoretical Reflections Conclusion References Chapter 9 - ‘Caught Napping in the Wake of COVID-19’: The Litmus Test for Digital Pedagogy in Zimbabwe’s Public Education Sector Abstract Introduction ICTs Integration in the Public Education of Zimbabwe Ministerial Response to Covid-19: Education ‘Caught Napping?’ The Future of Education in Zimbabwe Conclusion Recommendations References Chapter 10 - Political Battle of the Mighty and Theorising the Genesis of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Social Conflict Paradigm Abstract Introduction Conceptual Framework: Social Conflict Paradigm Conspiracy Theories on the Genesis of COVID-19 Pandemic COVID-19 Escaped from a Chinese Laboratory Coronavirus is a Biological Weapon COVID-19 is a US Virus COVID-19 was Unleashed by Bill Gates 5G Technology Theory Politics of the Global ‘Mighty’ International Organisations and the Semantics of Power The Narratives of “Other” in the Discourse of COVID-19 Prophesy and the Genesis of COVID 19 The Post-COVID 19 Era in Zimbabwe Conclusion References Chapter 11 - Metaphor and Representation of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cognitive Linguistic Perspective Abstract Introduction A cognitive Linguistics Approach The Aristotelian and the Lakoffian Views of Metaphor Deconstructing Semantics of Othering in Chinese Virus/Flu,” “Wuhan Virus” and “White People’s Disease” Tropes of Vulnerability in War Metaphors and Militarisation of COVID-19 Pandemic Discourse Treatment of the Disease is War Reflections Conclusion References Chapter 12 - COVID-19 Pandemic and Personal Protective Equipment Production: The Search for Sustainable Solutions – A Zimbabwean Experience Abstract Introduction COVID-19 Origin, Emergence, Prevalence and Global Spread Covid-19 Response on the African Continent Covid-19 Pandemic: The Search for Sustainable Solutions Covid-19 Response: The role of Institutions of Higher Learning in Devising Sustainable Solutions Covid-19 Prevention and Control: Role of Universities and Tertiary Institutions Emerging Issues Lessons Learnt Conclusion References Chapter 13 - Village Savings and Self-help Group Schemes in the Era of COVID-19: A case of Seke District, Zimbabwe Abstract Introduction The Context Seke District Methodology and Data Collection Presentation of Data and Analysis VSLA Schemes in Ward 8 Factors Sustaining VSLA Schemes in Ward 8 How COVID-19 Impacted on VSLA Scheme in Ward 8 Vulnerabilities of VSLA Schemes Impact of Lockdown Strategies Mechanisms to Prevent COVID-19 Among VSLA Scheme Members in Ward 8 Discussion Conclusion and Way Forward References Chapter 14 - 2 Chronicles 7:13 and Revelation 16:9: A Diachronic and Apocalyptic Investigation of COVID-19 Pandemic from a Zimbabwean Context Abstract Introduction Diachronic Analysis Synchronic Analysis Apocalyptic Analysis Exegesis of Plague Narratives in 2 Chronicles 7:13 and Revelation 16:9 Survey of Scholarship on Plagues in the Old Testament Survey of Scholarship on Plagues in the New Testament Historical Reconstruction of Pandemics in Zimbabwe 1974-2018 Plagues Synchronic and Apocalyptic Reflections on COVID-19 Response of the Religious Community to Covid-19 in Zimbabwe Current Covid-19 Statistics The Church Community’s Interpretation of the Pandemic The Prophets and Traditional Leaders’ Response to Covid-19: Apocalyptic Analysis Conclusion Recommendations References Chapter 15 - The Intersectionality of the Religious, Ethical and Socio-political Issues in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Zimbabwe Abstract Introduction Security Services and the Lockdowns Africa, Social Media and “Covidiots ” Social Inequalities and Discrimination Covid-19 and African Culture Conclusion References Chapter 16 - Covid-19, Global Economy, Development and the Future of Africa Abstract Introduction Background to the Study Uncertainty Associated with COVID-19 Contribution of the Study Study Responses to the Health Crisis and Economic Growth Amid Pandemics Effects of Disease Outbreaks on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) COVID-19 and Health Inequalities and Stratification in Africa Conclusion References Back cover