1. 27th of February 2020, Nigeria confirmed its first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
2. 100 days after, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 11,844 confirmed cases, 333 deaths, 3,696 treated and discharged successfully.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected over 100 countries across the world.
4. Over 6 million people have been affected, number of deaths exceeds 300,000 as at the 6th of June 2020.
5. February 27, 2020 NCDC activated a Level 3 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Prior to this, the National EOC was in alert mode; monitoring the spread in other countries, carrying out risk assessments and strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness
6. Prior to the confirmation of the first case, NCDC supported four laboratories within its molecular laboratory network to activate testing for COVID-19. Since then, the number of laboratories has increased to 30, with a combined minimum capacity of 10,000 tests daily.
7. The NCDC will expand to at least 10 more laboratories by the end of June, leveraging on Gene-Xpert capacity for Tuberculosis diagnosis.
8. Since the first case was confirmed, NCDC has supported the training of 13,000 health workers in infection prevention and control (IPC) as well as case management.
9. NCDC supports every State with medical supplies, transportation of samples, training of health workers, risk communications and other response activities.
10. The NCDC launches the #TakeResponsibility campaign which has formed the cornerstone of public health messaging. This is done by leveraging on social media, mainstream media and other avenues to encourage Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting themselves and loved ones and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
11. Over 150 jingles currently air on radio and television, reaching communities across the country.
12. Over 100 million text messages have been sent out since February 2020 reminding Nigerians about measures that can be taken to protect themselves from COVID-19.
13. Major challenges of Covid-19 – global competition for access to reagents and medical supplies which limits the initial testing capacity of the molecular laboratories.
14. NCDC is collaborating with the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa, Abuja, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Medical Laboratory and Science Council of Nigeria and other partners to strengthen laboratory capacity nationwide and increasing access to testing
15. The NCDC is working under the supervision ofparent Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Health, and in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies through the PTF, to scale up Nigeria’s response, and ensure more people are tested, contacts are traced early to prevent further spread and confirmed cases are treated.
16. The NCDC has deployed its highest number of rapid response teams - with 37 teams across 34 states and the FCT, all supported by the deployment of additional surge teams from the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NFELTP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC).
17. In the absence of a vaccine, NCDC applies social measures, supportive management of confirmed cases and urges all Nigerians to take individual and collective responsibility by adhering following public health advisory:
• Frequent hand hygiene through hand washing or use of alcohol-based sanitiser.
• Use of face mask in public places
• Observing physical distancing of at least two metres
0 Comments