Faces of the Fight from Dr. Ibrahim Khan: Weathering the storm as one people
Dr. Ibrahim Khan is the Regional Medical Health Officer for First Nations Inuit Health Branch - Saskatchewan Region, Indigenous Services Canada, Government of Canada. He is based in Regina.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the longest health emergencies in human memory. Over the past year and a half, we’ve come up with measures to stop the spread of the virus: masking, social distancing, quarantining (especially young and elderly people), closing businesses, schools and other institutions and, more recently, vaccinating.
Everywhere you look, COVID-19 has left its mark.
It’s had a huge impact on every human being no matter who they are, where they work or what they do.
The pandemic’s impacts have been tough to witness and frustrating to endure.
But through these hardships has come much good.
For many First Nations communities, this health crisis has brought many challenges. Being fully vaccinated, together with all public health measures, has been necessary to protect each other and reduce the spread of COVID-19. I admire and applaud the responses of First Nations communities in response to this crisis.
Throughout this ordeal, the strength and integrity of First Nations people has been evident. Saskatchewan people are resilient, not only able to roll with the punches but willing to help each other through the good times and the bad, including doing their best to follow public health protocols. In my mind, they are the best people in the world.
As we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is a reminder that learning about our past helps us understand the present issues like vaccine hesitancy.
True, there are some who deny COVID-19 and its impact is real. My message to them is that COVID is not only real, its effects are devastating. People stricken ill with the virus are suffering in our hospitals, some receiving care for as long as three months. Others spend their last moments on a ventilator saying their final goodbyes to loved ones through a glass window, deprived of the ability to hug, touch and express love and care in person. The virus doesn’t discriminate – both poor and rich are affected. One need only look to India, the United States, Italy and Brazil to see that the impact of the virus has been not only real but surreal.
Living through the highs and lows of a pandemic can test the fortitude of even the strongest person. For me, my strength comes from my faith in God, my love and compassion for others and a desire to help people. These values have served me and my family well and helped fortify us through the pandemic.
As Saskatchewan people we know we have the wherewithal to continue to weather this storm. We also know we need to work as one, with kindness and compassion, to end the pandemic. Getting vaccinated and following infection prevention and control measures are the best ways we can do this.
