… 7000 Gets Special Training On Disease Infection, Prevention And Control
… As NCDC Testing Centres Hits Eleven Nationwide
… Says Nigeria’s Health System Fragile
Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, on Monday gave an appraisal of efforts to contain the outbreak of the dreaded Coronavirus in Nigeria.
While making his presentation, Mustapha revealed that over 40,000 personnel were currently manning various Isolation Centres, including provision of auxiliary health services in the sector, all geared towards containing the virus, which cure has not been found.
He gave these updates at the daily briefing session of the Presidential Task Force in Abuja, where he revealed that over 7,000 healthcare workers have been trained specifically on infection prevention and control mechanism and have been deployed along with officials of the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control NCDC to 19 states.
He equally stated that a total of 6000 Covid 19 tests have been done so far, with an average of 1500 tests carried out on daily basis.
According to the PTF chairman, the team has been able to intensify contact listing and isolation from index cases with about 92 percent achieved so far.
He said laboratories where testing are carried out have now been shored up to eleven, some of which are located in Lagos -3; Abuja-2; Irua-1; Ibadan UCH-1; Iree-1; Jos-1; Kano-1 and Abakaliki-1.
Mustapha also stated that these measures have been strategically deployed to slow down the spread in order not to overwhelm our fragile health system.
While commending frontline health workers and Nigerians for their understanding at this critical period in our nation’s history, he gave an inkling that further lockdown might be necessary.
He said all the necessary appraisal regarding the virus have been carried out and recommendations have been given to President Muhammadu Buhari to chart the way forward.
His words, “I wish to wholeheartedly appreciate our frontline heart workers whose continuing sacrifices has kept us in good stead in this battle against the Coronavirus.
” Like other Nigerians, they have sacrificed their comfort at great personal risks to confront and manage this infectious disease. The Nation appreciates you, the nation thanks you and the nation shall never forget you.
“Since the broadcast of the President on Sunday 29th March, 2020 the Presidential Task Force has, with your support accomplished the following objectives that underpinned the measure: slow down the spread in order not to overwhelm our fragile health system.
“We have been able to intensify case identification, testing and isolation as
contact listing and isolation where 92% of all contacts have been identified.
“We have increased laboratories by 100%- with some located in Lagos -3; Abuja-2; Irua-1; Ibadan UCH-1; Iree-1; Jos-1; Kano-1 and Abakaliki-1) there are now 11 laboratories in the network.
“We increased testing by 50%, to the current capacity of 1,500 tests per day, with over 6,000 tests done. Procurement concluded for new high throughput testing by end of the month.
“We distributed Personal Protective Equipment to over 40,000 healthcare workers – there have been no stock outs, trained over 7,000 Healthcare workers on infection prevention and control and deployed NCDC teams to 19 states.
“Despite all of these, the PTF is convinced that we must deliver more. We have also been assessing the impact of the lockdown and the level of compliance by Nigerians. While we recognize the difficulties associated with such an unprecedented action, we remain certain however, that it is a step in the right direction for us to secure a healthier tomorrow.
“Based on the evaluation of experts, assessment of available data and experiences of other nations currently in the same situation, the PTF has submitted its recommendations to Mr. President and I urge Nigerians to please await further pronouncements in this regard.
“The PTF continues to appeal to all Nigerians to remain calm, maintain personal hygiene, observe physical distancing and stay at home. We also wish to thank the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other well-meaning organisations and individuals for expressing absolute support for the steps so far taken by the government.The war is still ragging and all hands shall remain on deck until victory is assured”.
