The Healing Of A 97-year-old Woman In Brazil Who Is The Antithesis Of The WHO Statement

Photo illustration (Cristian Newman / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) states that there are two groups that are very vulnerable to danger when contracting COVID-19. The two groups are people over 60 years of age and those with medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.

However, a 97 year old woman in Brazil named Gina Dal Colleto proves something different. Since being hospitalized on April 1 with symptoms of COVID-19, not a few people thought that their life would not be helped, considering that he was so old and vulnerable, as said by WHO.

Dal Colleto breaks all assumptions. On Sunday 12 April 2020, Dal Colleto in a wheelchair was discharged from Vila Nova Star hospital, Sao Paulo. He was greeted with applause from doctors and nurses for successfully recovering from COVID-19.

Dal Colleto has become the oldest patient to have survived COVID-19 in Brazil, the Latin American country hardest hit by the virus outbreak. While hospitalized, Dal Colleto was on oxygen and was admitted to intensive care.

Tem notícia MUITO BOA também neste domingo: paciente de 97 anos está curada da Covid-19 e recebe alta em SP.https: //t.co/znCgzvPhc2

- Mônica Bergamo (@monicabergamo) April 12, 2020

His unexpected recovery is like a glimmer of hope in Brazil, where the president himself has not bothered too much despite the widespread outbreak in his country. COVID-19 in Brazil has also become a heated political debate to find the best way to contain the spread of the virus and sustain the country's economy.

"In fact, with almost a century of life, Gina has a very active routine and enjoys her time traveling, shopping and cooking. She has six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren," said a statement from the hospital, citing Reuters, Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Brazil's Ministry of Health said 1,223 people had died from COVID-19. Brazil now has 22,169 confirmed cases.

Attitude of President Bolsonaro

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a former captain of the far-right army, has belittled the physical distancing measures imposed by state leaders, even his own health officials.

Bolsonaro wants economic activity to continue. The reason is that the termination of economic activities for too long will pose a greater risk than the disease.

Brazil's Health Minister publicly opposed President Jair Bolsonaro's stance and accused him of sowing doubts in the minds of Brazilians over the need for physical distancing. In an interview, Brazilian Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta signaled that Bolsonaro's actions in rejecting the recommendation for physical distancing had confused the country's 210 million citizens.

"They don't know whether to listen to the Minister of Health or the President," Mandetta said.

He urged the Bolsonaro government to present "one vote" on how to contain the pandemic. This must be done because Bolsonaro has repeatedly challenged guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Bolsonaro's arrogance also got his citizens into action. Almost every night, in cities across Brazil, quarantined people beat pots and pans in protest of its handling of the crisis.

Bolsonaro felt that the coronavirus was on its way out of Brazil, although he did not provide an explanation. In return, he continued, there would be further unemployment.

"It seems that the virus problem is starting to go away, but unemployment will increase ... It's difficult. We have to fight these two things, "he said in a television broadcast.