Workshop for busting myths on COVID-19 was organised

KARACHI: The Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine organised a workshop on 'Corona Myth Buster.'

Scholars during the two-day-long workshop expressed that Pakistan is a country where many myths were spread among the masses regarding the coronavirus and its vaccinations, which is why official authorities face problems in taking mitigation measures against COVID-19. In such a scenario, there is a need to create awareness about COVID-19 as well as change the public's perception at the grassroots level by educating them regarding coronavirus and its impact on human lives and the importance of vaccinations and social distancing to combat the epidemic situation. 

The two-day-long workshop and group discussion on 'Corona Myth Buster' were organised to address common myths prevailing in society about COVID-19 infection and its vaccines. It was organised at the ORIC Training Hall located in the old computer science building.

Dr Sadia Saeed of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that the two-day-long activity aimed to understand the perception of people in Pakistan about Covid-19 and to educate them about the deadly disease. 

According to her, false news was also spread about the coronavirus vaccine in different parts of society. "Due to the lack of awareness, the coronavirus was not being taken as seriously as it is in Pakistan. There is a need to take it seriously, and we all should work in this regard." 
  
Dr Sadia Saeed shared that, unfortunately, instead of encouraging people to get the corona vaccine in Pakistan, they are being made to think that it is harmful, which is a matter of the moment. A solution to any kind of ambiguity is inevitable. 

Meanwhile, Dr Urooj Zafar from the Department of Microbiology said that holding such awareness workshops frequently is the need of the hour because, without awareness, we cannot control such epidemics. 

On this occasion, the workshop participants were asked to fill out questionnaires related to coronavirus, which would be sent to the COVID-19 experts. Students were informed through scientific videos to convince them that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe for humans. Later, a question and answer session related to covid-19 has also held at the end. 

Professor Dr Bilquis Gul, Director of Office of Research Innovation and Commercialisation, Professor Dr Tanveer Abbas, Chairman of Department of Microbiology, teachers and students were present.