*Appeals to hospitals to treat patients
The federal government said Monday that it is willing to be part of the global solidarity trial of medicines being tried to tackle COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
This was disclosed by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja.
The country representative of WHO Nigeria and member of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Fiona Braka, said last week that Nigeria had signed up for the global drug trials.
She said the four drugs that would be monitored in the solidarity trial are Remdesivir; Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine; Lopinavir, and Ritonavir.
“We have indicated interest to the WHO to be part of the global solidarity trial of medicines being tried to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts on to also conduct research here in Nigeria. Other drugs can be added to the trials based on emerging evidence. In all this, we shall ensure the maintenance of ethical standards and safety of our people,” the minister said.
Speaking on the cases of the virus, the minister said the nation is currently in community transmission mode, stressing that the strategy is to take all persons who test positive to isolation, even if they exhibit symptoms or not.
“We need to protect, not only ourselves, but each other and our loved ones and make sacrifices today for a better tomorrow. As we begin a new week and the prospects of gradual easing of the lockdown, I wish to remind citizens that this phase comes with added responsibility to be extra vigilant and compliant with the accompanying measures and guidelines that are meant to assure that we do not lose the health gains we have made so far.
“Since our COVID-19 statistics are of considerable concern, attention has also been drawn to the observation that countries who eased or lifted restrictions, suffered an increase in new cases,” he said.
Speaking on the Kano case, the minister said the Federal Ministry of Health is strengthening its support for the state Ministry of Health with service delivery and training in consultation with the governor.
He said the setbacks reported in routine hospital service delivery in Kano are being addressed by line experts from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Department of Family Health in the ministry.
The minister urged all healthcare facilities not to reject persons seeking medical help, especially in emergencies, saying it is unethical not to attend to persons in distress.
He also urged citizens to go to the hospital when not feeling well, and to cooperate by giving accurate information, especially with regard to their travel history.
He said the NPHCDA is working with the Kano state primary health/community health workforce to sensitize the population on COVID-19 at grassroots level and expand the testing capacity.
He urged citizens to cooperate with health workers and for those testing positive to comply with invitations to enter Isolation care.
