A lesson in negligence
By
Inas Mazhar
The release of the last bunch of malaria- recovered chess players from Fever Hospital in Abbasiya has left the public wondering when it would learn of the investigation results carried out by the Ministry of Justice -- which launched a full-scale enquiry after two players died of malaria infection while competing in Nigeria.
Saturday was the day when the last group of players was released from hospital -- a day of celebration for many friends and families. The deep grief felt for the deceased athlete and official -- and their families -- has not subsided, but the extreme relief that those others infected have been cured, is great.
Investigations were said to have gone in all directions in an attempt to uncover the source of negligence in the case. Amidst this commotion, the Nigerians released some thought-provoking statements about the case. The organisers of the All Africa Games that took place in Abuja, Nigeria last month blamed the Egyptian officials for the whole issue, explaining that it was the fault of the Egyptians for not making sure that all members of delegation received their required vaccinations. The Nigerians said that Nigeria has played host to several regional and international championships in recent years, even hosting several Egyptian teams just before the Games.
Perhaps the Nigerians are right -- whenever the delegation is smaller, more attention is given to it by the federation's officials. But this time the delegation was larger, and unfortunately it seems that every single official has depended on the other. The officials busied themselves with other formalities, taking it upon themselves only to "instruct" the athletes and their coaches that it was important to take the malaria tablets. With most teams -- which are genuinely cared for by their federations -- officials follow up, making sure they have in fact taken the tablets before travelling.
The story can be looked at from many angles, but the reality is clear. Dispute aside, and manipulation of Nigerians to make themselves look good aside, in this case the Egyptians were clearly in the wrong.
It is no secret to the world that African countries are abundant with potentially fatal diseases, and that those who visit the continent are diligent about taking the necessary tablets and vaccines. It is the Egyptian officials who were negligent in this case -- seemingly never assuming that it could, in theory, happen to them.
The athletes, however, are also to be blamed. But their mistake does not seem as grave as the officials. The athletes are younger, naïve, less aware of the world and its ways -- still at that stage in life where health and well-being are not issues of concentrated focus. Like all other young athletes around the world, there should be someone to guide them. Unfortunately, that someone did not exist.
I suppose it must be looked at as a lesson. A lesson that every delegation travelling in Africa must protect itself; that the Ministry of Youth should play the role of patron to these young athletes; that there is no such thing as slack when it comes to rules and requirements and recommendations. The experience has been a lesson about the cost of negligence, and unfortunately, the value of life.
