#DeepThoughtSeries - Episode 1: "Made in China"

I have spent the most part of my life in Nigeria. From witnessing the transition from Military rule to Democratic system of governance - although as an infant, to growing up in the richly-blessed Niger Delta region, words will fail me to mention, but looking back, it's been fun and adventures all the way. I

Later in this post, I will be sharing in detail a particular experience that always fascinates me. Keep an open mind, this is not to throw shades at anyone. Stay with me.

Recently, the world started facing a health crisis, with the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19). The best brains in economics and science never could have predicted this occurrence, and sadly, ever since it began in late 2019, the world HASN'T remained the same.

The total active (confirmed) cases of COVID-19 worldwide has risen beyond 1.5 million mark and the global death toll keeps skyrocketing on a daily basis. Many countries didn't take it very seriously at the onset and the consequence is very devastating!

Over the past months, many dreams have been shattered, loved ones remain separated across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, bustling city centers have become as calm as graveyards, streets have been deserted, and nations across the world have been on compulsory lockdown for weeks and months. Not to mention the perilous impact this shift has had on the entire global economy.

As nations grapple with drastic policy adjustments, and the ends of the earth doesn't seem afar off, dealing with the looming global recession in the coming months will surely not be a funny circumstance to behold. In the midst of all this, the vaccine that will put an end to this unfortunate misery is not in sight. I doubt if the world is really about to come to an end.

The deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) is said to have originated from Wuhan in China. The first COVID-19 case recorded was on 17th November 2019; an underestimated phenomenon that quickly spread like wildfire, to neighbouring countries and across the world in the twinkle of an eye!

The World Health Organization (WHO) succumbed to pressures, and to further put things in check, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom held a much anticipated media briefing on COVID-19, a phenomenon he described as a 'pandemic'. In his speech delivered at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on 11th March 2020, he called for a strategic global alliance and  a more targeted-focused approach towards curbing this global pandemic. It reads: 

"In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 outside China has increased 13-fold, and the number of affected countries has tripled. There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives...WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction. We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic."

Medical scientists have continued to toil relentlessly in search of a lasting solution (vaccine) in their research laboratories, health practitioners on the frontlines are risking themselves daily, while global Leaders and Heads across different fields are now confused on the best approach to tackle this UNSEEN enemy, COVID-19. 

It is very heartbreaking to see mass graves being dug  in every nook and cranny to salvage this helpless situation. The most painful part of this whole thing is knowing that families are never going to see their loved ones whose lives have been snatched by the cold hands of death! Life will never be the same with these gory memories. 

We all have been stretched thin on hope and resolos!s, but faith is not lost!

On 31st January 2020, BBC News announced that "the Chinese city of Wuhan is set to complete a hospital in six days in order to treat patients suspected of contracting the coronavirus". This makeshift emergency medical facility was structured to contain 30 intensive care units located on two floors, and take 1,000 hospital beds across a 645,000 square-foot land.

Indeed, this was a strategic move targeted to curb the fast spread of COVID-19 to other parts of China, which quickly paid off in the coming months as the numbers of reported cases steadily declined in the region.

Despite commissioning this historic 1000-bed capacity hospital project in record time - it was built in 10days attracting the attention of global media - China still faces a hard battle with rebranding itself before this same media. Why is this so?

The race towards finding a lasting cure (vaccine) for COVID-19 is on. World powers have rolled their sleeves, each hoping to clinch gold like its an Olympic competition. China takes the bull by the horn through its decision to provide timely aid in medical assistance and philanthropy offered to other countries. 

Sending medical teams and supplies to other COVID-19 stricken nations at the peak of this pandemic is a very welcome gesture, which connotes promoting a united world. But, why is this move greeted with suspicion?

I know many questions are erupting in your mind as you read thisw.

Are you asking why does the rest of the world feel that China must have made this whole thing up? Why do people criticize China's aid at such a desperate time as this? Is it truly a threat to  the present health of citizens? And will the future consequences of China's aid to the economy of these countries be as deadly as the COVID-19?

I honestly don't know all the answers to your questions, because reputation counts in the grand scheme of things...but, think about this:

In Nigeria, products that come from China usually attract a weird tag in the minds of people. You will hear things like, its "Made in China" - a term that normally shouldn't draw attention, but over here - you will have to look twice when paying for "Made in China" products. Quite unfortunate.

With all the recent backlash, we can tell China's reputation in advanced and developing countries is not in good shape right now, and we can always draw a key lesson which is: one must strive to not get to the point where whatever good he/she does, attracts suspicions. 

Lets have a look at God's Word in Proverbs 22:1 which reads; "a sterling (good) reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank" (MSG Version).

Dear Reader, take some time to reflect on these words. Kindly share your thoughts using the comments box.

Happy Easter, 

#ChukwuemekaOrukwowu #DeepThoughts 

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(Hello! I will be sharing insights, stories and lessons in this new series, #deepthoughts, so don't miss the train)

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Image Credit: CGTN