Placing Covid-19 in history

Preserve for posterity: Police and armed forces personnel doing crowd control duties at a Covid-19 vaccination centre in 2021. As the UK government has done, we must take the initiative to preserve our nation’s Covid-19 history in a gallery or museum. – AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

LONDON, a city steeped in history and architectural wonders, is a dream destination for visitors worldwide. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the enchanting city as part of a research opportunity provided by my university.

Amid the captivating sites, one place stood out – the renowned publicly-funded Science Museum, which houses an impressive array of exhibits covering diverse fields like engine technology, aerospace, and human biology.

But what truly caught my attention was the section titled “Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID Vaccine”.

In 2020, the world witnessed the start of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, which unleashed a global health crisis that affected lives in every corner of the earth. It is undisputed that the Covid-19 vaccine was “born” in England, thanks to the remarkable efforts of vaccine scientists from Oxford University.

Amid the trials and tribulations brought about by the pandemic, I admired the United Kingdom government’s commitment to preserving the collective memory of this historic period.

The Science Museum has meticulously curated a comprehensive collection of Covid-19 artefacts and records, testimony of humanity’s triumphs and challenges during the pandemic.

This awe-inspiring initiative sets a shining example for governments and communities worldwide.

Within the walls of the Science Museum, one can find a treasure trove of significant items linked to the Covid-19 journey. From vials representing the various vaccine brands used to the names of the brave volunteers who selflessly participated in clinical trials, the collection leaves no stone unturned.

Visitors can also view the chair, trolley and equipment used in vaccine trials, the vaccine production line, the vial and syringe used in the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine jab, and even the uniform of the NHS matron who administered that ground-breaking injection.

The handwritten meeting notes belonging to the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce chair, chronicling the inception of a national vaccination strategy during the early days of April 2020, are also on display. Notably, the museum houses the very mug that once sat on the desk of a vaccine pioneer and co-creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine. It’s a symbol of the scientific collaboration that brought hope to the world.

Standing among these artefacts, I deeply admired the UK’s commitment to preserving its Covid-19 memories. This pandemic impacted lives across the globe, including my fellow citizens in Malaysia. We must record this chapter of our history and ensure it is passed down to future generations.

As the UK government has done, we must take the initiative to preserve our nation’s Covid-19 history in a gallery or museum.

Malaysia faced its share of challenges during the pandemic, and it is essential to document this crucial period for posterity. Preserving facts, experiences, and artefacts will testify to our resilience and offer invaluable insights to future generations.

Creating a permanent record of Malaysia’s Covid-19 journey can educate, inspire, and pave the way for a more resilient future. Let us embrace our legacy and safeguard the memory of this transformative time in history.

IRMA WATI NGADIMON

PhD Candidate

Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Monash University Malaysia

Selangor