Stories about Health from April, 2020
Fiji general cites need to ‘stifle criticism’ in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic
"The COVID-19 pandemic is not an excuse for human rights violations. Excessive force and brutality are unacceptable from any of our enforcement or security forces."
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Chinese netizens’ tribute to whistleblower Dr. Ai Fen
There are still people who are brave enough to speak up, and we value these people and try our best to spread their messages.
Japanese superfood can't combat COVID-19, but may prolong your life
In mid-March, a consumer research company in Japan found that nearly 40 percent of Japanese people they surveyed incorporated special foods into their diet in order to "boost their immune systems."
In Mexico, relief program ‘insufficient’ to keep 30 million informal workers at home
"If I don't sell, I don't eat. It's that simple."
Notes from Kazakhstan: Pigeons, disinfectant and COVID-19
In authoritarian Central Asia, the COVID-19 crisis is an opportunity for states to make a show of strength of strength, yet it also lays bare their weaknesses.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: A fake performance
They yelled out from their windows “fake, fake, it is all formalist performance”. This is not the first time the people in Wuhan express their resentment.
‘Clean city-state’ image of Singapore shows double-standards in its treatment of migrants in times of COVID-19
"....even if you do most things right, if you're not considering or proactively looking out for the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, you're not going to effectively fight #COVID19."
Out of 20,000 COVID-19 cases in the Balkans, more than a third are in Serbia
In Serbia, the government first ignored COVID-19 and even made fun of it.
Zanzibar relies on strong communities of care to confront COVID-19
Zanzibar thrives on unity. A wave of community-based health initiatives has ramped up their presence on the islands to raise awareness and educate islanders about the highly contagious coronavirus.
COVID-19 in the Middle East: Is this pandemic a health crisis or a war?
War-like rhetoric around COVID-19 has allowed governments in the Middle East and North Africa to execute emergency powers and impose draconian measures that would otherwise be unacceptable.
Prosecutions mount as Russia intensifies fight against COVID-19 ‘fake news’
Russia has made sharing "fake news" a criminal offence. Rights activists fear that charges will be brought against anybody questioning the state's account of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Feelings of insecurity
I want to go to the park to take a stroll after the lockdown is lifted...
A high-profile funeral highlights a double standard in Nigeria under lockdown
In Nigeria, a high-profile burial amid COVID-19 lockdown orders highlights a double standard when it comes to state guidelines on best practices to mitigate the spread of the deadly disease.
In Colombia, solidarity movements multiply during the COVID-19 pandemic
Almost half of Colombia's population depend on informal work.
Malaria vaccine may offer respite from Africa’s greatest health scourge
After three decades of research, the RTS,S malaria vaccine backed by the WHO is getting piloted at a health centre in Kenya for the first time.
Six false statements by Serbian government officials on COVID-19
Government officials are helping spread disinformation about the pandemic.
Liberia's President George Weah sings his fight against COVID-19
Despite a message and movement solidarity in the fight against COVID-19 in Liberia, President George Weah still faces critique over a tanking economy and restricted media.
COVID-19 spells disaster for Brazil's overcrowded prisons as first inmate death recorded
The country has over 750,000 people living in prisons. It's the third-largest prison population worldwide, coming behind the US and China.
How to protect Nigerians’ personal information while combating COVID-19
Combatting COVID-19 through all available legal means is urgent. However, such means need not be at the expense of protecting human rights — including the right to privacy.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Volunteers collect help messages during the pandemic
Domestic violence is emerging in the pandemic and volunteers are keeping records of their stories.
For Nepal's migrant and daily wage workers, lockdown is more dangerous than the coronavirus
Domestic daily wage labourers and migrant workers are among those hardest hit by the COVID-19 restrictions imposed in Nepal.