What Nigeria needs to defeat COVID-19 in the country – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) discloses that continuous unity and adherence to public health and social measures are the actions required to be able to defeat the coronavirus epidemic in the nation.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of the NCDC, declared this on Saturday in a statement signed by the Centre’s Head of Communications, Ms Omobolaji Oduwole, to mark one year of COVID-19 response in Nigeria.

NCDC DG, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu

It is important to recollect that in February 2020, Nigeria identified her first incident of the unusual coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Nevertheless, Ihekweazu stated, “In 2020, our country truly united in solidarity against the virus. The impact of this has been obvious from small personal gestures such as sharing foodstuff, to collaboration on research and innovation – to regional and pan-African collaboration.

“Despite the best efforts of government, it will take time to vaccinate everyone against COVID-19.

“We must keep adhering to the public health and social measures that keep each and all of us safe. This means physical distancing, wearing face masks, practicing hand and respiratory hygiene, and avoiding crowded indoor places.”

The statement disclosed that Nigeria’s reaction to the epidemic has been driven by science and led by the power of coordination, partnership, and unity across federal and state governments, partners, the private sector, and citizens.

The statement partly read, “In the last one year, NCDC has been working under the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF-COVID-19) chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha. This has enabled a multi-sectoral response to the pandemic, which has affected multiple facets of Nigeria’s economy.

“The NCDC has led Nigeria’s public health response to the pandemic. This includes establishing and scaling up capacity for COVID-19 testing, surveillance activities, developing public health guidelines, as well as providing technical support to states.

“We are grateful to health workers across the country, including State Public Health Teams, for their hard work, commitment, and dedication in the fight against COVID-19.

“We also thank our partners for their support. Finally, we thank the Federal and State governments for their leadership and investment in health security.

“Unfortunately, during this pandemic, many have lost their loved ones and means of livelihood. The economy has equally been affected. However, we must remember our resilience and strength as a country.

“We cannot afford to give up now and must continue to Take Responsibility – whether as individuals, organisations, or government.

“As our sister agency, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) prepares to lead the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, NCDC will work in solidarity with them to ensure a successful campaign.

“As the country’s public health institute, our focus remains to contribute to stronger health systems, to serve Nigerians into the future.”