FRONT PAGE NEWS (201)
The Federal Ministry of Health has convened an Emergency National Council on Health (NCH) meeting, via teleconference, where State Commissioners of Health and the Acting FCT Secretary for Health, had been engaged to review status and align all response to COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
The Honourable Minister for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, made this known at the Presidential Task Force briefing today 22nd April, 2020, when he disclosed that 782 people in 24 states and the FCT had been confirmed to have COVID-19. He stated that the 117 new cases represent the highest daily increase in new cases so far and is an indication of more efficient testing and increased community transmission. He added that the most affected States are: Lagos 59, FCT 29, Kano 14, Borno 6, Ogun 3, Katsina 4, and 1 in Bauchi and Rivers. A total of 25 deaths had been recorded while 197 people are been discharged.
Dr. Ehanire further enumerated some of the resolutions unanimously adopted at the National Council of Health meeting
• All persons diagnosed with covid-19 be henceforth treated in the State where the diagnosis was made, rather than be referred to their States of origin except there is a medical indication to the contrary. This is to avoid the high risk of exposure of other persons in the course of transfer.
• Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) and Pharmacists be forthwith prohibited from attempting to treat persons diagnosed as , or suspected to be COVID-19 patients, or else have their operating licenses cancelled.
• Private hospitals desiring to manage COVID-19 patients apply to their State Ministries of Health for permit , meet standard IPC standards and be accredited by a FMoH certified State team after compliance with Protocols, before being granted;
• States should notify FMoH of their isolation and treatment centres for inclusion on the COVID-19 HMIS Platform to ensure a well-coordinated national response.
Health Minister informed that 27 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) had been deployed to states by NCDC to support the COVID-19 response, recently to Abia, Gombe and Sokoto States. He said active case finding is on-going in communities with evidence of person-to-person transmission, stating also that the strategy required more testing and diagnostics. He stated also that, “we are working to increase the capacity and activate additional laboratories, both public and private for COVID-19 testing, with the final purpose of having one or more public health laboratories, with PCR capability in every State”.
Dr. Ehanire reminded citizens that COVID-19 had a cure rate of over 90%, if those with typical symptoms report early for testing and treatment or quarantine. “It can save you from the severe complications of the infection, or also help to reduce spread and save your loved ones from getting infected by you”, he said. He stated also that those with existing medical conditions like diabetics, hypertension, kidney disease, TB, HIV, and cancer, should obey the injunctions for preventing infection.
According to the Honorable Minister, to ensure best treatment options for Nigerians, a protocol for a Patient Transport System had been developed for FCT and to be set up in all States of the Federation. This he said is meant to smoothly convey patients to specialized treatment centers or between centers, hinting also that, the Nigeria Airforce and NEMA have standby aircrafts.
Health Minister applauded health worker on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and urged them to take all necessary precautions for their own safety. He made aware that estimates suggested that several healthcare workers had already lost their lives in less than two months since covid-19 first appeared and many dozens, including doctors are idling away in quarantine. He stressed the need for sound Knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control protocol to be eligible for consideration to manage the infection.
The Minister reminded health workers to be vigilant and protect themselves in the line of duty. He asked citizens to call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) toll-free number or ones state emergency number, if they suspect themselves or anyone around who may have symptoms of COVID-19. He emphasized that the use of tissue cover over ones mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing had been long advocated to control the spread of COVID-19 infection. He further urged Nigerians to avoid mass gathering, practice hand and respiratory hygiene, physical distancing, cancel all non –essential travel out of where one resides, wash and sun-dry or iron ones reusable cloth masks or face covering daily. Most especially stay home, stay safe.
Earlier speaking, the Secretary General of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, thanked His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs for endorsing the recommendations of the Emergency Fatwah Committee by issuing a statement guiding the conduct of the Ummah on the suspension of obligatory religious activities such as Jumaat, congregational and other sessions during the month of Ramadan to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He encouraged scholars and organizations to use all other means of communication and broadcast to disseminate information and conduct programmes. He further stated that the PTF remains committed to leading the fight against COVID-19 and craved for the support, understanding and corporation of all Nigerians.
Condolence Message On The Passing Of The Chief Of Staff To The President
The Management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Health extend deepest condolences to His Excellency the President on the loss of a trusted functionary, and to the family and friends on the demise of an icon figure, Mallam Abba Kyari , Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, who sadly passed away on Friday, 17th April, 2020.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has described Mallam Abba Kiyari was an exemplary, unpretentious and self-effacing leader who discharged his duties with diligence devotion and integrity. Nigeria has lost an industrious and visionary statesman to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
The Minister reiterated that, “The Federal Ministry of Health, its Agencies and Departments will continue to strive to curb the coronavirus and ensure that our citizens are protected and free of COVID-19”.
Dr. Ehanire asked Almighty God to grant him peaceful repose and his family fortitude to bear the loss.
National Rapid Response Team Deploys 23 RRTs To COVID-19 Affected States
The National Rapid Response Team (RRTs), deployed 23 RRTs to COVID-19 affected areas. There had also been active case search in communities, due to community transmission.
This was disclosed by the Honourable Minister of State for Health Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora at the Presidential Task Force briefing on COVID-19. He said, as of today, 21st April, 2020, a total of 665 people in 24 states and the FCT had been confirmed to have COVID-19. The 38 new confirmations are distributed as follows: 23 in Kano, 5 in Gombe, 3 in Kaduna, 2 in Borno and Abia and 1 each in FCT, Sokoto and Ekiti. 22 deaths had been recorded so far and 188 people had recovered from COVID-19 in Nigeria and had been discharged.
The Minister of State for Health stated that the strategy of case searching in communities required more testing kits and diagnostics, hinting also that additional laboratories for accreditation had been assessed. He added also that, efforts in risk communication at grassroots level had been intensified. He emphasized the need to avoid mass gatherings and that the use of face masks or face barrier that covers the mouth and nose had been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of respiratory infection. “The improvised cloth mask will suffice at community level. Please, always wash, iron and ensure the improvised cloth is not dirty”, he advised.
Dr. Mamora, thanked health workers for the good work they were doing , he asked they be vigilant and ensure they protect themselves as they do their jobs ensuring them also that Government would provide PPEs required to do their work. The Minister of State for Health, urged citizens to stay home, stay safe and take precautions.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said that much work however shall be required in the creation of awareness among the people and securing the buy-in of stake holders. He reminded Nigerians that the COVID-19 pandemic was not a joke but a global pandemic. He therefore renewed the appeal of the PTF to all Nigerians to view it as such and comply with all advisories and directives in the interest of humanity.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has disclosed that 13 molecular laboratories had been activated nationwide by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) so far; stating also that the target is to double the current national testing capacity of 1,500 tests per day.
The Minister made this known on the 20th of April, 2020, at the Presidential Task Force briefing as he confirmed a total of 627 persons in 21 states and FCT to have COVID-19. He said that the 86 new confirmed are distributed as follows: 70 in Lagos, 7 in FCT, 3 in Akwa Ibom and Katsina and 1 each in Bauchi, Borno and Jigawa. 21 deaths have been recorded so far one of whom is Mallam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari. He informed also that 170 people had recovered from COVID-19 in Nigeria and had been discharged while 146 persons are currently recovering from COVID-19.
Dr. Ehanire revealed that there are presently increased testing and mobilization on the community at the grassroots. This new strategy is as a result of the frequency and increase in the number of new persons with COVID-19 being recorded daily at the community level. He hinted that the further intensified strategic house-to -house and cluster testing in communities had helped towards promptly detecting, testing and isolating to mitigate the on-going community transmission. Health Minister emphasized on further increasing and improving isolation facilities "since finding more infected persons without facilities to accommodate them, does not contribute to a solution”. “Isolation and treatment centres are available to meet security and privacy requirements of all persons”, he said.
The Minister made it known that all persons entering Nigeria from abroad, will undergo a 14-day quarantine at a designated facility. He stated that state governments are collaborating to prepare a minimum of 300 beds for isolation and treatment while also exploring all options including engaging hotels for quarantining persons who may have COVID-19 with or without symptoms needing little clinical management.
According to Health Minister, “the Federal Government has the responsibility and capability to manage this viral infection safely, in the interest of public safety and national security, but can share this responsibility with private sector hospitals who meet laid down criteria”. He advised they work with the Ministry of Health and NCDC on surveillance and referral of patients for testing, or to isolation and treatment centres. Dr. Osagie Ehanire expressed his condolences to families of professional colleagues who had lost their lives while on duty and used the opportunity to also call on them to take precautions while attending to patients in health facilities.
The Minister urged citizens to continue to take responsibility through physical/social distancing, appropriate use of masks or improvised face coverings to be used outside the homes, especially in hotspot states of Lagos, Kano and FCT, maintenance of hand and respiratory hygiene, as well as strict adherence to the lockdown measures and regulations.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha stated that “the PTF recognizes regrettably the unintentional violation of the principles and protocols that form the core of our messaging to Nigerians, at the funeral of the late Chief of Staff”. He said lessons had been learnt and that appropriate measures had been taken to close all gaps. He assured Nigerians of their safety and the determination of the PTF to combat the pandemic. He further stated that “We must all come together because we face a common enemy and potential risk. We must flatten the curve at all cost and restore our country to full activity”.
The Honourable Minister of Health has said that the recent increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases is likely due to scaled up implementation of the new case- finding strategy as well as the result of rising community transmission.
The Minister disclosed this today 17th April, 2020 at the Presidential Task Force briefing as he confirmed a total of 442 people in 20 states who had been recorded to have had COVID -19. He said, 35 new confirmations were distributed as follows: 19 in Lagos, 9 in FCT, 5 in Kano and 2 in Oyo, 13 deaths all with comorbidities, had also been recorded so far and 152 had been discharged. He revealed that 277 persons with COVID-19 had been cared for in isolation centres and treatment centres across the country.
The Minister further stated that, “With house-to- house and cluster testing, using the revised criteria for sample collection, yield has increased”. He added that more people had been detected and transferred to treatment centres; He ensured more social mobilization for community testing at grassroots level and isolation of positive cases.
Dr. Ehanire emphasized that citizens disclose complete and accurate information to health workers about their travel history or contact with persons who have or had COVID-19, saying it was important for 2 main reasons:
• Full disclosure allows health workers to promptly, investigate, diagnose and treat correctly, to improve chances of patient survival and recovery.
• The right information also keeps the health workers safe. Withholding the truth puts both the user and caregiver at risk but also other patients on site Several Health workers, who must then self-isolate as a result of exposure to a positive patient, will also be put out of circulation. This he said is not what we can afford with the limited number of Health workers in the country.
Health Minister advised that infected persons need not hide themselves at home till their condition deteriorates that they be rushed to the hospital in critical state. He noted that some fatalities could have been saved if presented earlier. He restated that persons who have had fever of unclear origin and cough should first put on a mask or a face covering of any type, isolate themselves from friends and family and call the national emergency number 112, or the NCDC toll free number 08009700 0010, or report themselves to the nearest facility for referral.
The Honourable Minister of Health hinted that several persons who had COVID -19 had been successfully treated and discharged as proof that most people do survive the disease. He however requested the cooperation of those who test positive with health officials to accept any designated isolation and treatment centres, even if they feel well. He further stated that in the interest of the general public, the Ministry of Health, through Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reserves the right to investigate suspected cases of COVID-19 who do not comply with advisory.
Dr. Ehanire commended the frontline health workers who had been managing patients and urged all citizens to desist from spreading fake news and misinformation that cause fear and panic and to remember public health advisories and social measures and regulations around the lockdown advising them to stay home, stay safe and take precautions.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that its next phase of strategy is to focus on the community. This is due to available evidence of community transmission of COVID-19. This was disclosed by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire at the Presidential Task Force briefing, today 16th April, 2020, as he confirmed a total of 407 cases of COVID-19. He said 99 patients had been discharged and 12 deaths had been recorded in Nigeria, all with comorbidities. He stated that the 34 new cases confirmed were distributed as follows: 18 in Lagos, 12 in Kano, 2 in Katsina, and 1 each in Delta and Niger States.
The Minister expressed his condolence to the family of the latest fatality, a medical professional and highlighted the risk to health workers in this COVID-19 response by stating that `patients with mild symptoms are still very highly infectious, mild symptoms in one person could be deadly infectious in another”. He further stated that, that was why there was a recommendation of the suspension of close contract between grandchildren and grandparents.
Speaking, Dr. Ehanire emphasized that there will be more community testing and social mobilization at the grassroots to ensure physical distancing and advisories on the use of masks or improvised face coverings like handkerchiefs or scarfs over the mouth and nose to reduce risks of transmission. He said the revised case definition includes:
• All patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Contacts of people confirmed to have COVID-19, with fever and respiratory tract symptoms
• Persons with fever and respiratory tract symptoms of unknown cause
Dr. Osagie urged all health workers to adhere to government instructions and regulations by utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19 and protect themselves, loved ones and colleagues. He also advised health professionals against private or secret management of people who have COVID-19 outside of accredited health facilities saying “we cannot afford avoidable morbidity and mortality”. He said that private facilities must obtain accreditation to treat this highly infectious disease and that unauthorized practitioners engaging in treatment of COVID-19, run the risk for being shut down for decontamination.
The Honourable Minister commended the Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as they strive to enhance case findings by conducting house to house and cluster testing based on epidemiological assessments. This strategic scale-up of testing over the next two weeks, will go a long way in detecting, testing and treating people with COVID-19, he reiterated.
Dr. Osagie Ehanire informed that the national testing capacity had been increased to 3,000 per day in 13 molecular laboratories nationwide activated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This he said is to increase the national testing capacity further as he also stated that two more laboratories are scheduled to come online in Borno and Sokoto states. He informed that the state had been supplied sample collection kits and are encouraged to develop innovative methods to improve testing capacity by engaging the private sector to outsource and diversify these collection sites and improve logistics support.
The Minister hinted that the disease had been labelled stereotyped, discriminated against and labelled poorly. Unfortunately, the Minister said, stigma can prompt social isolation of persons or groups and drive people to hide the illness, prevent them from seeking health care immediately, and discourage them from adopting healthy behaviours. He added that this could cause a situation where the virus is more likely to spread and increase the difficulty of controlling the COVID-19 outbreak.
Health Minister advised persons tested positive to COVID-19 enter into accredited isolation and treatment centres for proper management this not only gives them prospects of survival and recovery, but protects their family and friends, domestic and office staff and the community from infections. He encouraged citizens to cooperate with case managers who will meet all expectation of security, privacy and comfort.
He urged citizens not to stigmatize persons who had recovered from COVID-19, stay safe at home, if must go out practice physical distancing, wash hands regularly or use sanitizers and sanitize surfaces thoroughly.
Health Minister: 12 Functional COVID-19 Testing Laboratories Confirmed
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has made known that there are 12 functional COVID- 19 testing laboratories, with a capacity to test 1,500 samples daily. He said, to ensure maximum utilization of increased testing capacity, the case definition and testing criteria had been expanded to include not only contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases with fever and respiratory tract symptoms, but also persons with fever and respiratory tract symptoms of unknown cause.
The Minister said this at the Presidential Task Force briefing, today, 15th April, 2020, when he confirmed a total of 373 cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. He stated that, 99 cases had been discharged and 11 deaths had been recorded in Nigeria. Stating also that, 30 new cases had been reported from 5 states: Lagos 25, Akwa Ibom 1, Edo 1, Kano 1 while the fatality occurred in Lagos.
According to Dr. Ehanire, “The advent of community transmission marks the evolution of our initial strictly containment strategy”. He added that, there is need to scale-up risk communication to the public and coordination with the state level COVID -19 response preparedness. The Minister stated also that there is an increased drive to detect cases more rapidly in communities and advised all persons fitting the case definition to wear a mask of any type, isolate themselves from friends and family as they call the national emergency number 112, or the NCDC toll free number 0800 9700 0010, or report to the nearest health facility for referral. “The policy is to detect early, test, and isolate cases as early as possible, he said. Health Minister reminded health workers in both public and private health facilities to maintain a high index of suspension and refer patients with fever and respiratory tract symptoms for COVID-19 testing.
Dr. Osagie Ehanire informed that a guideline had been produced by FMOH accreditation committee to ensure that standards are maintained at all COVID-19 isolation and treatment centres across the country. He revealed that there are three levels of isolation centres, isolation 1 is for suspected cases of COVID-19 while awaiting results, this is also used to designate the mandatory quarantine facilities for those returning from abroad with negative results, or those unable to self-isolate at home for 14 days. Isolation 2 is for confirmed COVID-19 cases with mild or moderate symptoms, which need little to no clinical management. Isolation 3 is for confirmed COVID-19 cases with severe or critical symptoms, which need enhanced clinical management or intensive care. He said, in Abuja the designated isolated 3 facilities are University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) and National Hospital while isolation 2 centres are located in 4 other places.
Speaking further, the Honourable Minister of Health hinted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had issued comprehensive guidance on the use of masks, including improvised and homemade cloth masks or face covering like handkerchiefs or scarves over the mouth and nose which guard against particle emission in conversation , or when coughing or sneezing. He emphasized that the masks be worn as an additional layer of physical protection, where close contact or crowds may not be avoided with certainty, such as market, particularly food vendors and elderly people with pre-existing medical conditions with fragile health status.
The Minister urged that the use of masks be used in combination with but not as a substitute for hand washing, physical distancing and good respiratory hygiene as well as sanitizing surfaces. He further stated that the medical grade mask are reserved for patients and health workers who needed them most and reminded also that they be properly washed daily in warm water and dried or ironed. Dr. Osagie Ehanire said that well published non-medical intervention advisories must be maintained which had been well publicized while fake news must be ignored.
The Honourable Minister of Health thanked on the behalf of the Federal Government, the technical support from USCDC and the large donation from the United Nation Agencies of supplies and equipment that included 50 ventilators. He also commended all Nigerians for their sacrifices and understanding “As we work to ensure we defeat COVID-19”, he said.
As a strategy to respond to the imminent phase of covid-19 community transmission, the Federal Ministry of Health and its Agencies are developing the new National Action Plan.
This was disclosed by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, today, 14th April, 2020 at the Presidential Task Force briefing, where he confirmed a total of 343 cases of COVID-19. He stated that, 91 patients had been discharged and 10 deaths had been recorded in Nigeria. He said 20 new cases had been reported from 5 states: Lagos 13, Edo 2, Kano 2, Ogun 2, and Ondo 1. 73% of all recorded cases so far are males and 27% females; he stated also that, the most affected age brackets are between 31-60 years.
Speaking, the Minister said that there was increased daily testing capacity by the activation of more covid-19 capable laboratories that would work with the private sector to outsource and diversify sample collection sites and improve logistic support. He hinted that, details of samples of collection sites would be made known as well as increases in the number of discovered cases in the fallout of improvement in testing capacity.
According to the Health Minister, there is on-going collation of more epidemiological information on coronavirus disease, such as understanding sources of new cases and planning new lines of action. “We shall continue to aggressively pursue our policy to detect, test and isolate cases”, he said. Adding that, early evidence of community transmission, had reinforced the urgency of physical distancing, use of face masks, maintenance of hand and respiratory hygiene as well as strict adherence to the lockdown measures and regulations as announced by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dr. Ehanire stressed that these measures would reduce the risks of positive persons carrying the virus from place to place, especially with those who are asymptomatic and may not know they harbour coronavirus. He stated also that staying at home would also increase the probability of tracers finding the person of interest when they call.
The Honourable Minister of Health noted that there had been significant progress in contact tracing and had to date followed up 9,029 persons of interest, 99% of whom he said, had exceeded their 14-day observation period. He maintained that, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had been doing a good job on supporting activities in States with new outbreaks, Rapid Response Teams and also working with the Department of Hospital Services to oversee the establishment of more isolation and treatment centres in line with national guidelines and global best practices.
Dr. Osagie Ehanire stated that, the treatment centre accreditation team had set up guidelines for maintenance of operational standards that are to be used in all isolation and treatment centres in public and eligible private health facilities, He reminded practitioners to take utmost precautions of covid-19 as a highly transmissible disease with national security implications. The Accreditation Committee the Minister added would conduct random spot checks to ascertain states of readiness of isolation and critical care centres.
The Minister informed that the Federal Ministry of Health had mapped out areas of need in ICU capacity and would work with NMA, NANNM, the Association of Anaesthetists and Critical care physicians and nurses, with the aim of deploying specialists to areas of need in Nigeria. Similarly, he said, the ministry is creating a structured Patient Transport Plan within the new FMoH action plan to be shared with the states “as this is important in the event of the need to transfer patients from one centre to another.
The Honourable Minister commended persons, organizations and groups in Nigeria who had put public and even private facilities at the disposal of the Federal Ministry of Health to use as isolation and treatment centres and thanked all health workers, stake holders and development partners, for their commitment and support to the response.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has said the Presidential Task Force (PTF) is working on compensation packages which include Life Insurance and hazard allowances for health care workers for their sacrifices toward the coronavirus challenge.
He made this known at the PTF briefing, today, 13th April, 2020 as he confirmed a total of 323 COVID-19 cases. He stated that 85 patients had been discharged with 10 deaths recorded and 5 new cases reported from three states, Lagos 2, Kwara 2, and Katsina 1. The Minister stated also that there are 11 covid-19 functional laboratories in Nigeria saying also that two additional ones are activated in Kano and Katsina. He also said that “We have pre-positioned laboratory testing samples and collection kits nationwide”.
Dr. Ehanire hinted that, the Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had continued to support response activities in states with new outbreaks, through timely deployment of Rapid Response teams. He revealed that the accreditation team had finalized protocols for use in accrediting isolation and treatment centres to assure maintenance of standards. He said he had inspected four centres which had already being accredited in Abuja, stating also that FMoH and FCT would meet to harmonize their project.
Speaking further, the Honourable Minister of Health said that the case management team had concluded training of health care workers in Abuja who he said would attend to patients in this isolation and treatment centres. He enjoined states to adhere to the standards advised by the accreditation team and by professional colleagues, that it is very risky to treat corona virus patients in private homes or in their hospital establishments without IPC training and accreditation. The hazard he said, is serious with regard to self-infection and cross infection evidence of which had manifested in some states.
The Minister informed that the Federal Ministry of Health had begun the comprehensive review of the health sector COVID-19 response, in order to build a new robust strategic action plan and structure that would address expected challenges of the imminent community transition phase, the outcome of which he said will be made public in a few days.
Dr. Ehanire recognized the support and solidarity by organizations, associations and individuals who had generously donated various items to support the response. “I assure them that the items shall be utilized efficiently for the best outcomes”. He appealed from a health point of view with citizens for understanding and adhering to public health advisories and further urged them to observe the stay at home directives, in order to reduce the transmission of the virus. He said the stay at home also allows NCDC better opportunity and time to trace and find persons of interest at home, for significant scale up of testing. He asked all persons to fully cooperate with tracers. “Testing alone is not enough if the positive persons are not in isolation for their own safety and the safety of their family and friends”. He also advised all to cooperate with authorities and accept invitation to isolation and treatment centres even if they feel well saying that COVID-19 will often not show any symptoms in some persons, while they may be highly infectious to others.
According to Health Minister it is important citizens still maintain physical distancing of about six feet and implement the hand and respiratory hygiene. He said an additional way to protect against corona infection is the face mask and it includes improvised and homemade face masks or face covering with handkerchief or scarfs. This he said, guards against particle emission during laughter, exclamation, or loud talk. Dr. Ehanire said “It is gratifying that Governors are reiterating and taking measures to press for physical distancing and maintenance of hand and respiratory hygiene".
FMoH COVID-19 Accreditation Committee Inspects Private, Public Treatment Centres
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has disclosed that FMoH COVID-19 Accreditation Committee has begun the inspection of public and private treatment centres. This he said is in accordance to strict infectious disease management protocols, in order to increase bed capacity for COVID-19 isolation and treatment nationwide and also to protect health workers from harm.
The Minister revealed this at the Presidential Task Force briefing, where he confirmed that Nigeria has recorded 288 COVID-19 cases today, 10th April 2020. He said that “there are 14 new confirmed cases from two states, Lagos 13 and Delta 1”. He stated that Lagos remains the epicenter with 158 cases, FCT 54, 20 in Osun, 12 in Edo, 11 in Oyo, 8 in Bauchi, 5 each in Akwa-Ibom and Kaduna, 4 in Ogun, 2 each in Delta, Enugu, Ekiti, Kwara and Rivers state and one each in Benue, Kastina and Ondo.
Health Minister stated that there would be an inspection and accreditation tour to all states starting with those that have active COVID-19 cases. The Minister said that the bed space expansion will start with federal tertiary hospitals. He hinted also that Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) had commenced operation with a 60-bed isolation centre.
Dr. Ehanire informed that the Federal Ministry of Heath through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control [NCDC], has continued to increase testing capacity for COVID-19. He said there are 9 laboratories capable of testing for COVID-19. He stated that there are 2 In Abuja: the National Reference Laboratory[NRL], Gaduwa and the Defence Reference Laboratory, Mogadishu, Abuja; 3 in Lagos: the NCDC Virology Laboratory in LUTH, the Lagos State Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory, and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research [NIMR]. Others are, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State; Virology Laboratory of UCH, Oyo State; Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki [FETHA], Ebonyi State; and the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases [ACEGID], Osun State. He stated that additional laboratories in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jos and Sokoto States are set to come online imminently.
Health Minister emphasized that NCDC has continued to support response activities and preparations in all states by timely deployment of Rapid Response Team to every outbreak state and had improved contact tracing, case management, risk communication and infection, prevention and control [IPC] measures. He indicated that providing training guidelines and personal protective equipment [PPE] has enhanced capacity and understanding of frontline workers for this novel disease.
Further speaking the Minister re-stated that a 16-ton of medical commodities and equipment worth USD$1.5 million arrived Abuja on Wednesday from Beijing, China. The equipment includes 50 ventilators and an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO] machine, used in worst case scenarios of COVID-19 treatment when a ventilator is no longer effective. The Minister hinted that this ECMO machine, whose export is restricted by many countries, may be the first and only one in Nigeria. He made known that the 15 member team of medical and technical advisers from china were screened and tested for COVID-19 before departing their country but also quarantined for 14 days. He stated also that Nigeria medical teams will begin scientific engagement with them in a few days via video conference, while they are quarantined. The Minister noted that all designated isolation and treatment centres have adequate supplies to manage cases, as there are no shortages of PPE for health workers. He said that “there is a limited supply of consumables in the market due to the increased global demand and decreased production due to public health crisis. We are, however, developing in-country manufacturing capability. Citizens should use the limited supply judiciously and bear in mind that this should not be a time of hoarding, price gouging and profiteering”. Stating also that, health workers should have priority in rationing of commodities because they are more at risk.
Federal Ministry of Health has engaged the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria [MAN] and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria [PMGMAN] to scale-up local capacity and seek innovative solutions. FMoH had also met with the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria [AGPMPN] and the Guild of Medical Directors to discuss collaboration between private medical practitioners and government in the COVID-19 national response. The Minister encouraged private practitioners to uphold the role in educating the public and protecting other patients and frontline workers by having a high index of suspicion to identify, advice and refer suspected cases to designated COVID-19 management facilities for testing, according to NCDC guidelines. He said also that private facilities should apply to the Federal Ministry of Health for accreditation, before engaging in treatment of COVID-19 patients, stating also that they share in the responsibility to maintain the essential and emergency services and ensure safe transfer of suspected cases by dialling the toll-free national emergency number 112, or the NCDC toll-free number 080097000010.
Dr. Ehanire stressed on;
• The importance of giving accurate and complete information of symptoms or travel history to health care workers when seeking care such as not to endanger or hinder proper diagnosis.
• Only designated treatment centres can provide safe isolation and management of COVID-19 patients, and avoid the spread of the virus to family members, friends and the public.
• All medical practitioners are reminded that that they should abstain from privately treating suspected COVID-19 cases in their homes, as they expose themselves, their loved ones, employees and patients to the infection. This is not a sickness to handle in the secret.
The Minister reiterated the importance of observing good respiratory hygiene, hand washing and social distancing while urging Nigerians to obey the stay at home order, and follow the guidelines of government. The Minister further noted that both public and private sector health workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19, employ infection prevention and control [IPC] protocols and refer suspected cases to the testing sites and also visit NCDC COVID-19 websites covid19.gov.ng, for updated information. No citizen should be sent away without advice. He advised against rumour mongering, which he said creates needless fear and restiveness in the society.
The Honourable Minister of Health said that, “While the Government of Nigeria is encouraged by the commendation from the World Health Organization and the UN, we will not relax because we still need to further our strategy and sharpen our processes to face the coronavirus challenge, the magnitude of which we cannot guess”.
