By Danmaryam Zayamu
The Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS), has expressed concern that most states of the federation are not adequately prepared to respond to the outbreak of Covid-19 if more cases are reported, especially outside Lagos.
The group made their position known in a statement signed by its President, Professor Dimie Ogoina, in Abuja.
NIDS is a multi-disciplinary professional society consisting of infectious diseases specialists, clinical microbiologists, public health practitioners and other healthcare workers and researchers actively engaged or interested in the prevention and control of infectious diseases in Nigeria.
The group explained that the poor preparedness of most states is evident by the lack, or poor state of isolation facilities, limited clinical competencies and self-confidence by healthcare workers to manage active cases of COVID-19 and lack of required equipment.
It however, called on the federal government to extend COVID-19 testing laboratories to all states of the federation as feasible, or at least a minimum of one laboratory per geopolitical zone.
“As a matter of urgency, the federal government, in conjunction with state governments, should establish at least one functional and appropriately equipped isolation facility in every state of the Federation.
“The federal government and states governments in conjunction with the NCDC must urgently identify all healthcare workers that would be involved in the COVID-19 response in each state.
“Such frontline healthcare workers should undergo training on various aspects of the public health response to the outbreak, including case management using standardized guidelines,” the group advised.
It also advocated that federal government and relevant health authorities should extend surveillance for suspected COVID-19 cases to land and sea borders as the likelihood of importation of the virus to Nigeria is not limited to air travels alone.
While pledging its unwavering commitment to the prevention and control of infectious diseases in Nigeria, NIDS, however, advised the general public and healthcare workers to adopt established prevention measures from verifiable and reliable sources.
It further charged all stakeholders in the COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigeria, to follow evidence-based scientific guidelines and eschew fear and panic.
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