Opinion
Nipah Virus: Is Indian Education System Ready to Face Another Virus Outbreak?
With the news of deaths in the southern state of India, Kerala, due to the new virus outbreak, people around the globe are quite alarmed. This news has shocked many because the world is still recovering from the post-Covid effects. The most impacted sector in every country because of this outbreak is the Education sector. Now, it becomes a challenge for everyone to ensure there is little to no impact on this yet again due to the virus. Mamta Shekhawat, Founder of Gradding.com explains it for everyone.
What Is Nipah Virus? Nipah Virus, popularly known as NiV, is zoonotic. This is a type that is commonly spread between humans due to coming in contact with infected animals. The mediums can be contaminated food, exchange of body fluids or direct contact with the infected animal or human beings. It is a fast-spreading virus that gives people shivers down their spine.
What Are the Causes of Nipah Virus? Studies show that this virus’s primary causes can be narrowed down to “Transmission from animals to Humans.” There can be a few possible factors behind this, such as:
- Deforestation
- Climate Change
- Habitat Destruction
- Nature Cycle Disturbance
- Polluting Natural Resources
While these can be the narrowed-down causes of this Virus outbreak, the major concern remains “The interference of Humans in Wildlife.” Nature, which is said to be the mother of life, is believed to take things in her control, and here’s an example of how it is impacting human lifestyle – especially in the education system where we do learn about conserving nature, but we hardly put it into practice.
How can the Nipah Virus Impact the Indian Education System?
India is one of the densely populated countries and the first to be infected with the virus; there is a high risk of spreading this across the nation. To prevent this, the state Government is calling for lockdown, again, in certain infected areas. If the precautionary actions are not taken properly, it can lead to a complete country lockdown. It means the education curriculum is getting disturbed, and students need to take online classes again. But, the main problem here is:
- Lack of Facilities: There are not all the necessary facilities available for students across the nation. This can deprive less privileged students of the opportunity to attend school online and continue their education. Schools also are not well-equipped with the required facilities to aid the teaching staff with the required training to take online classes so that the students’ academic year isn’t disturbed.
- Uncertain Environment: As scientists continue to research the virus and remain unaware of its symptoms and effects, we cannot conclude whether to move online, continue offline, or follow a hybrid approach, which, in turn, creates chaos.
- Break in Routine: With so much confusion and irregularity, students often fall for the trap of not taking things seriously. This breaks them from the routine study schedule, and they are distracted from focusing on their career to do something other than study to engage themselves.
- Mental Health Issues: Lockdown, again, means not going out and socializing. Again, this would bring back the days when young kids were glued to televisions and mobile phones. Lack of sunlight, outdoor activity, and proper engagement often cause mental health issues in students.
- Loss of Opportunities: Students planning to study abroad or pursue any course out of the country to explore their interests and widen their knowledge can also face many challenges. The virus outbreak can hold their chances of moving abroad due to fear of spreading the virus, which might hinder their prospects of studying abroad.
This is how adversely the virus outbreak can impact students willing to study in India and abroad. Though this can adversely disturb the students’ plans for the future, if the education system and the Government plan to consider things and work on them, this can be controlled.
Humans have always been the ruling species on Earth, but through the ages, they started evolving and interrupting other species’ habitats, leading to their extinction. This is a serious concern that we learn about through multiple courses in our education curriculum, but we never actually put it into practice. Virus outbreaks like these bring us to question that curriculum and fall into the flow of nature while it heals itself. However, this healing process of mother nature can be smoothed while we also keep our development going hand-in-hand if we adapt to the new challenges and make the necessary changes in our education system.
Team ScooNews also reached out to industry leaders, and here is what they said:
“Schools play a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Nipah virus, among students, teachers, staff, and the community. To be prepared for any potential outbreak or increased risk, schools should stay informed of the latest updates and guidance from local health authorities and follow their recommendations. They should also develop and implement an emergency response plan that covers how to identify, report, isolate, and communicate with potential cases and contacts. Furthermore, schools should promote good hygiene practices among students, teachers, and staff, such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping the school environment clean and disinfected. Schools should also encourage vaccination against preventable diseases among eligible groups, as this can reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system and minimize the risk of outbreaks. Additionally, schools should consider social distancing measures when necessary, such as reducing class sizes, rearranging seating, staggering break times, or even temporarily closing the school if advised by local health authorities. Lastly, schools should communicate and engage with parents or guardians regularly to provide them with information on preventive measures, school policies, and any concerns or questions they may have.” said Farzana Dohadwalla, Executive Chairperson, Crimson Education
Ms. Surabhi Joshi, Vice Principal, Manav Rachna International School Charmwood said, “Virus may break the body but never the spirit of resilient teachers. Our breakout rooms are ready for any outbreak and we can face it head on with complete spirit!”