…Says country on red alert over Ebola in Guinea
By Abdullahi Mohammed, Abuja
The Presidential Task Force on Control of COVID-19 said Monday that government would not take chances over spread of the virus despite the fact that available records show global decline of reported cases. Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said this at the briefing of the Presidential Task Force in Abuja.
“This trend in reduction compares with global observations of seeming decline in COVID cases, signifying that the second wave may be receding.”We are, however, not drawing conclusions yet and certainly not declaring victory, but rather watching developments as they unfold nationally and internationally, ready to make use of comparative advantages that may emerge.”We are intensifying the monitoring of COVID-19 positive cases, especially those that can self-isolate, by strengthening and improving the capacity of personnel, to manage home-based care.
“However, I emphasize that those on home-based care should report to their hospital or case manager, immediately they begin to experience symptoms, or feel their symptoms are getting worse. Experience has shown that COVID-19 disease can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly, resulting in life threatening severity, that could be managed if presenting early enough. Late presentation is a leading cause of increase in mortality.”Findings from supportive supervision of treatment centres also indicate that vulnerable and ‘at risk’ persons, are among those reluctant to accept hospital admission, especially if they have no severe symptoms. It is important to follow medical advice and comply with directives.
“The bed occupancy at our isolation and treatment centres is about 36 per cent, so there is sufficient bed space to comfortably accommodate patients and we stand ready to redistribute from heavy burden to lower burden hospitals, if the need arises,” he said.
The minister said there are reports of an offer of 300 million doses of Sputnik V vaccines to the AVATT portfolio, which boosts availability to 557 million.
He said this would be a great relief to the Africa, and also increase the variety of vaccines to four, stressing that the vaccine coordination committee would advise on the best options for Nigeria, bearing salient factors in mind.”Nigeria is aware of official reports of large scale fraud and counterfeit vaccines that are already in circulation. Since our vaccine needs for this year are virtually fully satisfied by multilateral and bilateral original manufacturer sources, the Ministry of Health does not, for now, intend to procure vaccines from private importers, and no vaccine will be allowed into the country unless they are certified by NAFDAC. “The need to involve the private sector in dispensing vaccine will be studied by the vaccine coordinating committee and NPHCDA, who has the mandate to administer vaccines in Nigeria. We must however, remember that the COVID-19 vaccine is not an ordinary routine vaccine, but an unfamiliar, novel vaccine with properties that are still being studied. “There may be effects during their administration, for which government must issue indemnification and take responsibility, which will not cover vaccines imported or administered privately, outside of legal framework.
“We applaud private sector moves to support COVID-19 vaccine financing by the Nigerian private sector, which will be exclusively channelled through the account Nigeria has opened with the Afrexim Bank in Addis Ababa,” he said.
The minister also spoke on the reported cases of Ebola in Guinea, saying Nigeria’s preparedness to forestall any outbreak of the disease is commendable.”Nigeria is closely observing developments on the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Guinea and working with West African Health Organization (WAHO) to contain it in the outbreak country of Guinea and prevent the spread to other countries in the region. “We are pleased to note that the ECOWAS countries adjacent to the epicenter are taking strict measures with regard checking movement of persons. Our Port health service officers are on high alert to step up border surveillance of travellers arriving by air or overland from destinations around the outbreak country to avert disease importation. “Although Nigeria was classified as a moderate Ebola risk country because of our distance from Guinea, Health workers in our hospitals have also been put on alert to have a high index of suspicion and the population is hereby requested to report suspicious symptoms, including fever and bleeding in the community, among recent arrivals from the West African subregion.
“I also use this opportunity to advise Nigerians intending to visit countries in the general area, to delay the visit, while WHO carries out support activities, including ring vaccinations. No increase in cases or fatality has been reported so far from Guinea,” he said.