VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Namibia regrets the decision of a number of countries to impose travel bans on southern Africa,  following the discovery of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Namibia, one of the countries in southern Africa, considers the move unacceptable and discriminatory.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism of Namibia on Thursday 2 November 2021, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency, expressed its dissatisfaction with the travel ban decision, which was  taken by a number of countries in Europe, as well as in Asia. According to him, the ban goes against the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is a severe blow to the tourism industry. This is because many people depend on this sector for their livelihoods.

Previously, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said WHO only asked and advised anyone who felt unwell, aged 60 years and over, and had not been vaccinated,  against traveling, Not closing the borders of countries in Africa, which actually exacerbates economic inequality.

WHO appealed,  to prevent serious illness, citizens should vaccinate. Because the vaccine is believed to still be effective to fend off Covid-19.

The travel ban step that has been taken by dozens of countries around the world to prevent Omicron from entering, may indeed be a decision that must be taken. Especially when it is felt very worrying and life-threatening. But it takes a long thought to make a decision, when there are other alternatives to fight Covid-19.

The option provided by WHO is a more improved method of testing travelers. In addition, more vigorous vaccination for every citizen. WHO assesses, Omicron appears because the level of Covid-19 vaccination in African countries is still low. But they are also not to blame, because the low vaccination rate is related to various factors including resources. They shouldn’t  be punished. Instead, they deserve to be appreciated,  for being quick to identify and share information about Omicron. An important discovery for science and world health.

The world needs to take stricter and more precise steps after the appearance of this Omicron. Travel bans are not the only answer to the problems that arise. Health protocols must still be put forward. For example, the use of masks is mandatory when shopping or when using public transportation and facilities. Likewise with washing hands and avoiding crowds. The mandatory vaccine program and the provision of additional vaccines must also be realized immediately in order to achieve the WHO target. Which is,  each country must vaccinate at least 40 percent of its population. It is estimated that, by the end of this year, the world will need an additional 550 million doses of vaccine. Something to think about together, especially for some poor countries like the ones in Africa.