Joebie:
I think there is still a lot to learn about covind-19. Is it possible that the spread is less in warmer regions? If you are going to give this government some credits, what is the government doing specifically and differently that has led to less cases in Nigeria? At least be substansive. I’m am assuming you are relying merely on statistics.

Nigeria had one of the best Airport arrangements. Better than the US and some European countries for a long time.The travel record, contact information and body temperature of travellers were taken. That is how, they have been able to track many of the contacts. They even went above when was done during the Ebola crisis.

I know, they did that well at least.

Joebie:
I’m not relying on the warm theory which is why it had a question mark.
If that’s what they have been doing differently from agencies of other countries, let’s hope they keep up the good job going forward.

They have done fairly well...
I just read that the Italian patient has been discharged...

Lessons from Nigeria in Responding to Coronavirus
Ifeanyi Nsofor
Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor is a medical doctor, the CEO of EpiAFRIC, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Nigeria Health Watch

Nigeria’s past experiences of quickly responding to the 2014 Ebola outbreak and continuously responding to other infectious diseases have strengthened its health security capacity. Consequently, there are lessons that other countries can learn from Nigeria’s response to Coronavirus

ABUJA, Mar 20 2020 (IPS) – Coronavirus is now a pandemic and the World Health Organization considers Europe as its new epicenter. Italy, Spain and France are on lockdown and several nations are banning travelers from countries where cases are on the rise.

But it’s a problem beyond Europe too, and governments in 61 countries have closed schools to slow the spread of the virus. In the U.S., President Trump recently declared a national emergency after the virus had spread to nearly every U.S. state, and he urged state governments to set up emergency operation centers immediately.

Most of these measures occurred after a significant number of cases were documented. In contrast, Nigeria, where I am based, has shown a remarkable level of preparedness and response to the Coronavirus pandemic even with just 12 cases diagnosed.



These efforts are led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Nigeria’s past experiences of quickly responding to the 2014 Ebola outbreak and continuously responding to other infectious diseases such as Lassa fever, have strengthened its health security capacity. Consequently, there are lessons that other countries can learn from Nigeria’s response to Coronavirus.

Nigeria’s past experiences of quickly responding to the 2014 Ebola outbreak and continuously responding to other infectious diseases such as Lassa fever, have strengthened its health security capacity. Consequently, there are lessons that other countries can learn from Nigeria’s response to Coronavirus

First, invest in epidemic preparedness before an outbreak occurs. The Director-General of NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu believes that nations should build systems in ‘peace time’ that can be used during outbreaks. Working with subnational governments and partners, the NCDC since 2017 have been supporting Nigerian States to set up Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOCs).
At the last count, 23 States in Nigeria have set up PHEOCs. The PHEOCs serve as an epidemic intelligent hub for effective communication and efficient resource management during any outbreak. Therefore, the U.S. should have set up PHEOCs long before this Coronavirus pandemic.

Second, be open and transparent about Coronavirus cases. The index Coronavirus case recorded in Nigeria was reported within 48 hours of the Italian arriving Nigeria. The federal minister of health, NCDC and the Lagos state commissioner of health did not waste time informing Nigerians.

They have also continuously followed that with regular updates. The NCDC now has a microsite to provide regular updates to Nigerians and the international community. Other information available on the microsite are videos on risk reduction and summaries of the global Coronavirus situation report.

Third, invest in laboratory diagnoses of Coronavirus. Within weeks after the Coronavirus outbreak began, NCDC, with the support of partners, upgraded four of its reference laboratories to diagnose Coronavirus.

This led to quick diagnosis of the Italian despite his falling ill in a neighboring state to Lagos. These reference laboratories are located strategically around the country, so that delays in moving samples are reduced.

Fourth, the highest political will is imperative for epidemic preparedness. In 2018, after 7 years of operating without a legal backing, the NCDC was legalized through a bill signed into law by President Buhari.

This action puts NCDC in its rightful place as the national public health institute, with the mandate to lead the preparedness, detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. President Buhari backed the legal mandate with an approval for NCDC to receive 2.5% of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund – a funding mechanism designed to improve primary health care in Nigeria. This is unprecedented in the history of health security in Nigeria.

Likewise, some Nigerian legislators are advocating for increased funding for epidemic preparedness. For instance, the chairpersons of Nigeria’s senate committees on health and primary health care/communicable diseases have been advocating for increased budgetary allocation to NCDC.

Without a doubt, health security is an area that Nigeria’s executive and legislature agree. With hindsight, the U.S. should not have cut its Centres for Disease Control’s budget by 20% in 2018.

Fifth, pay attention to what is happening outside of one’s own country. Infectious diseases do not respect borders. Perhaps the most important lesson we should learn from Nigeria’s response to the Coronavirus is what Chikwe Ihekweazu said when he was interviewed by an international media outlet; “The concept of every country trying to look only within its own borders is completely, mindbogglingly, a waste of everybody’s time”.

To be sure, Nigeria is currently dealing with its largest Lassa fever outbreak, attempting to rebuild its health system and still requires more funds to prepare for the next epidemic. However, NCDC has shown what is possible in reducing the impact of a virus with accountable leadership, use of science for decision-making and ensuring value for money in epidemic preparedness.

Chikwe Ihekweazu’s admonition on borderless approach in responding to infectious disease outbreaks is very important because as far as global health security is concerned, the world is as prepared as its weakest link.

Other countries do not have to reinvent the wheel in managing this Coronavirus pandemic. Nigeria has succeeded in containing Coronavirus and is willing to share lessons learnt.

ipsnews.net

Ive done some digging and found the info I was asking for. I’ve posted it above.

Danielnino00:


They have done fairly well...
I just read that the Italian patient has been discharged...

Tbaba I was in Nigeria just about a month ago. My temperature was not checked as well as that of the members of my family I travelled with. I think the guy stationed there was only checking randomly. Well I guess we had not had our first case as at then.

Modified.
By the way were u talking about he Ebola outbreak period? Because all the times I’ve been in Nigeria (at least once yearly since 2013) I can only remember my temperature taken once.

tbaba1234:


Nigeria had one of the best Airport arrangements. Better than the US and some European countries for a long time.The travel record, contact information and body temperature of travellers were taken. That is how, they have been able to track many of the contacts. They even went above when was done during the Ebola crisis.

I know, they did that well at least.

Chai

Missing in action
It's been a very busy 2020 for me so far
We are grateful the impact of the virus in Nigeria has not really been devastating with prior knowledge gathered from the Ebola crisis.

Hopefully we will do more to weather the storm.

It has already reduced in China, it will surely happen everywhere else as long as they do the right thing.

Europe is getting hit the more due to their ageing population, Africa is the youngest continent in terms of population age, maybe this is why we have not been too hit..

tbaba1234:


We just like to criticize. The only thing, i fault government is not closing the border earlier.

Bros the government should be faulted for many things not just border

Even flights from some countries still do come into naija

I think you live in the states ,no go use that eye Dey look naija Abeg

Danielnino00:


12 cases in total...

Some countries with lesser population than Nigeria and cities not as crowded as Lagos have recorded far more cases... South Africa for instance has over 200 cases...
Nigeria was the first country in sub Saharan Africa to confirm a covid-19 case,but the rate of infection so far has been minimal... We aren't perfect,but we are certainly doing better than most countries...

I think I will agree we are doin better ,even than South Africa

Those ones self still Dey allow flight into their country ,thou it’s from country with less than 100 cases sha

Humility017:


so that's not something serious

You talk as if such ineptitude can take place in the US up till now we have few test kits available amidst the claim to have used 1.6B naira already in managing corona virus and the president still haven't addressed Nigerians
unlike what other worldleaders are doing



infact government had to wait for his daughter to return from US on the 19th prior the border closure...as if the lives of the rest Nigerians does not matter.

I won't take you much serious because you live in a civilized country you have no idea of how over crowded Lagos, Abuja and kano city look like....

Come Bros respect yourself. Don't you watch television? How dare u bring up the US that knew about this virus last year but are just responding.

Even if you want to attack the government, use another country.

BascoVanVeli:



Come Bros respect yourself. Don't you watch television? How dare u bring up the US that knew about this virus last year but are just responding.

Even if you want to attack the government, use another country.

US response at the federal level has been poor

Danielnino00:


Yet,it's been 3 weeks and no pandemic has been recorded...

Just ask simple question how many people are tested a day?

Did you know some people have the virus and they are not showing symptoms (asymptomatic)?

Which is the biggest fear... Centre for disease control are just doing random test cos of the few test kit available...

Danielnino00:


For one thing,they have traced most of the contacts of the index patient and isolated them... . Those coming in from highly affected areas are being quarantined too... Agreed they closed the borders too late,but it's better late than never..

Forget about the warm theory... Have u seen the statistics for Burkina Faso and Senegal ?

Nope they have not traced most... Still tracking close to 2000 contacts... Close to 2000 can you multiply it by 2 ..?

tbaba1234:


Nigeria had one of the best Airport arrangements. Better than the US and some European countries for a long time.The travel record, contact information and body temperature of travellers were taken. That is how, they have been able to track many of the contacts. They even went above when was done during the Ebola crisis.

I know, they did that well at least.

To be candid they are doing well but the dicey of they particular disease is the problem... Some people with the disease ain't using symptoms which is the problem... Now people are coming thru land border. Which tested to positive to the virus. Closing of our boarder late is the problem.

Now they are still looking for 1500+ contacts...
Note : one of the Thursday patient doesn't have any history of traveling and yet he's positive..

Then I ask again how many people are we testing day?

Just praying we don't experience what Italy, Spain and Germany are currently experiencing now.

tbaba1234:


US response at the federal level has been poor

Exactly. Can u imagine that the NBA shutdown before anybody else. America has a great system but there are times when real individual leadership is needed and sadly the country doesn't have that recently

soetanoreoluwa:


To be candid they are doing well but the dicey of they particular disease is the problem... Some people with the disease ain't using symptoms which is the problem... Now people are coming thru land border. Which tested to positive to the virus. Closing of our boarder late is the problem.

Now they are still looking for 1500+ contacts...
Note : one of the Thursday patient doesn't have any history of traveling and yet he's positive..

Then I ask again how many people are we testing day?

Just praying we don't experience what Italy, Spain and Germany are currently experiencing now.

That's the prayer. It is scary and Nigerians are not taking it seriously.

They will fill up wedding venues and churches this weekend. Perfect venues for mass spreading.

somehow:
Chai

Missing in action
It's been a very busy 2020 for me so far
We are grateful the impact of the virus in Nigeria has not really been devastating with prior knowledge gathered from the Ebola crisis.

Hopefully we will do more to weather the storm.

It has already reduced in China, it will surely happen everywhere else as long as they do the right thing.

Europe is getting hit the more due to their ageing population, Africa is the youngest continent in terms of population age, maybe this is why we have not been too hit..

40% of the people hospitalized in Europe were under 50. The only thing we can do is take this serious, practice good hygiene and self isolate when necessary.

tbaba1234:


We just like to criticize. The only thing, i fault government is not closing the border earlier.

Leave Him to be waiting

He should come and tell us whoat the governments of his preferred countries have been doing. Maybe he should move over to Italy and enjoy the benefits of good governance there, or the UK that is owing NHS staff.

BascoVanVeli:



40% of the people hospitalized in Europe were under 50. The only thing we can do is take this serious, practice good hygiene and self isolate when necessary.

and what about the percentage of those dead? what age range? being hospitalized does not really mean they will die!

safarigirl:


Leave Him to be waiting

He should come and tell us whoat the governments of his preferred countries have been doing. Maybe he should move over to Italy and enjoy the benefits of good governance there, or the UK that is owing NHS staff.

We don't appreciate anything Nigerian. We've been conditioned to think that.

Italy, a first world country already has more death than china, the index country. Americans are lamenting about Trumps response to the virus. Countries that have better facilities haven't taken care of the virus as Nigerian have. But the average Nigerian, conditioned to think negative of the country is pessimistic about all the country has done. And are of the school of thought that they're hiding cases.

Someone was confidently saying on NL yesterday that WHO reported that Nigeria has over 1000 cases, make she bring proof, she started dabbling.

Italy no plenty reach Nigeria, not as big as Nigeria, and have better facilities than Nigeria, but look at their infection rate and even death rate.

Who is to say Italy are not suppressing numbers too?

SMH. The negativity, under the guise of realism

LaMujer:


We don't appreciate anything Nigerian. We've been conditioned to think that.

Italy, a first world country already has more death than china, the index country. Americans are lamenting about Trumps response to the virus. Countries that have better facilities haven't taken care of the virus as Nigerian have. But the average Nigerian, conditioned to think negative of the country is pessimistic about all the country has done. And are of the school of thought that they're hiding cases.

Someone was confidently saying on NL yesterday that WHO reported that Nigeria has over 1000 cases, make she bring proof, she started dabbling.

Italy no plenty reach Nigeria, not as big as Nigeria, and have better facilities than Nigeria, but look at their infection rate and even death rate.

Who is to say Italy are not suppressing numbers too?

SMH. The negativity, under the guise of realism

Nigerians need to take it seriously though to keep infection rates low.

tbaba1234:


Nigerians need to take it seriously though to keep infection rates low.

Yes, we need to. A Lot of us have realised how quick it can spread, even in the Nigerian weather.

But we shouldn't downplay the efforts of the health workers and government

tbaba1234:


Nigeria had one of the best Airport arrangements. Better than the US and some European countries for a long time.The travel record, contact information and body temperature of travellers were taken. That is how, they have been able to track many of the contacts. They even went above when was done during the Ebola crisis.

I know, they did that well at least.

who is telling this lies

I am so surprised

I have watched the Lagos state commissioner for health lament on difficulties in tracking this suspected cases for insolation and testing especially on the last plan where the 30 years old lady was tested positive on the 13th March. he even went on twitter to plea with the folks on board

on the first italian he laments on some contacts not been reached probably they gave wrong addresses I watched this live on TV

mr. tlaba you really scare me with those words.

I believe this virus Is currently spreading in Nigeria so many may be treating it like malaria/fever and moreover i think there is something peculiar with the tropics unlike the temperate regions this virus would have spread so fast by now..and moreover God is just helping us in nigeria I wont lie because the Lagos state government have been trying though but the federal government compacency to respond fast is not something anyone should be proud of

the FIRS staff who test positive in Abuja can in via the London flight too his wife and kids all negative which I will say it was a Miracle because they had contacts with him

LaMujer:


We don't appreciate anything Nigerian. We've been conditioned to think that.

Italy, a first world country already has more death than china, the index country. Americans are lamenting about Trumps response to the virus. Countries that have better facilities haven't taken care of the virus as Nigerian have. But the average Nigerian, conditioned to think negative of the country is pessimistic about all the country has done. And are of the school of thought that they're hiding cases.

Someone was confidently saying on NL yesterday that WHO reported that Nigeria has over 1000 cases, make she bring proof, she started dabbling.

Italy no plenty reach Nigeria, not as big as Nigeria, and have better facilities than Nigeria, but look at their infection rate and even death rate.

Who is to say Italy are not suppressing numbers too?

SMH. The negativity, under the guise of realism

if you really know about This virus you will know that it flourish in temperate regions and Italians are Chane smokers, so me not surprised at the rate of death....there.

moreover I will rather thank God for everything so far because this government really fall behind in handling this virus the Americans who tested positive in Lagos came through the land border and others subsequent cases all flew in

up till now flights from some European countries is still allowed and how many test kits are available

go to transcorp hotel in Abuja and see the number of Europeans notabls Italians they flew in this week


I really think the only government worthy of commendation thus far is the Lagos government same way they tried with the Ebola but the federal government non-challant attitude just pleased Nigerians on panic mode

soetanoreoluwa:


To be candid they are doing well but the dicey of they particular disease is the problem... Some people with the disease ain't using symptoms which is the problem... Now people are coming thru land border. Which tested to positive to the virus. Closing of our boarder late is the problem.

Now they are still looking for 1500+ contacts...
Note : one of the Thursday patient doesn't have any history of traveling and yet he's positive..

Then I ask again how many people are we testing day?

Just praying we don't experience what Italy, Spain and Germany are currently experiencing now.

Thanks bro....you wrote the truth.

I hate It when people can say the truth...

what you wrote there is same fear and grieve i had.
I saw somewhere though not yet verified that the presidency had to wait for his daughter to return prior closing the border and banning of flights....

even few days back there was fire explosion in Lagos this man didnt visit neither did he give state house address to this and also same week he was at the commissioning of the NCC annex buildling

some here arguing for this government won't tolerate these folks manage their own companies and business.

safarigirl:


Leave Him to be waiting

He should come and tell us whoat the governments of his preferred countries have been doing. Maybe he should move over to Italy and enjoy the benefits of good governance there, or the UK that is owing NHS staff.

you better know had it been this clueless folks where the ones heading the UK and Italian government it would have been worse than the way It was now.

the virus has not done much harm to us is just God...and not the clueless government that act too late and up till now how many test kits do we have around though the NCDC released their hot lines but considering the crowded nature of Nigeria society and all if the virus was to spread the way the scientist labelled it...then almost everyone in Lagos and high crowded areas in Abuja will have it

Humility017:



you better know had it been this clueless folks where the ones heading the UK and Italian government it would have been worse than the way It was now.

the virus has not done much harm to us is just God...and not the clueless government that act too late and up till now how many test kits do we have around though the NCDC released their hot lines but considering the crowded nature of Nigeria society and all if the virus was to spread the way the scientist labelled it...then almost everyone in Lagos and high crowded areas in Abuja will have it

So your point is that there's no God in Italy UK USA etc?

Humility017:



you better know had it been this clueless folks where the ones heading the UK and Italian government it would have been worse than the way It was now.

the virus has not done much harm to us is just God...and not the clueless government that act too late and up till now how many test kits do we have around though the NCDC released their hot lines but considering the crowded nature of Nigeria society and all if the virus was to spread the way the scientist labelled it...then almost everyone in Lagos and high crowded areas in Abuja will have it

Please remove God out of this ,this virus is not about God or not

Humility017:



you better know had it been this clueless folks where the ones heading the UK and Italian government it would have been worse than the way It was now.

the virus has not done much harm to us is just God...and not the clueless government that act too late and up till now how many test kits do we have around though the NCDC released their hot lines but considering the crowded nature of Nigeria society and all if the virus was to spread the way the scientist labelled it...then almost everyone in Lagos and high crowded areas in Abuja will have it

So, God is not in the remaining countries with the virus? Now it is "had it been"
Cool off with this alarmism. Its looking like cartoon network already

Humility017:


if you really know about This virus you will know that it flourish in temperate regions and Italians are Chane smokers, so me not surprised at the rate of death....there.

moreover I will rather thank God for everything so far because this government really fall behind in handling this virus the Americans who tested positive in Lagos came through the land border and others subsequent cases all flew in

up till now flights from some European countries is still allowed and how many test kits are available

go to transcorp hotel in Abuja and see the number of Europeans notabls Italians they flew in this week


I really think the only government worthy of commendation thus far is the Lagos government same way they tried with the Ebola but the federal government non-challant attitude just pleased Nigerians on panic mode

Nigerians love to panic generally.

Before the virus came in, Ehanire was always on TV assuring us. This was even in the thickness of Lassa fever. Even at that, majority still believe it to be a lie. That's why I say, we don't appreciate what they do. Ehanire works for FG sir, not LASG. We are conditioned to think negatively about efforts of the FG. Someone mentioned up there that it grows fast in Burkina. Burkina also have almost the same climate as Nigeria.

I'm not saying the FG have done splendidly, they haven't, they have lapses, but we shouldn't downplay the efforts of the FG like they have been doing nothing.


It's FG that owns NCDC, and I see Ehanire at different places, enlightening the populace. That's FG, not LASG. Because they use Lagos doesn't make the glory that of LASG

LaMujer:


Nigerians love to panic generally.

Before the virus came in, Ehanire was always on TV assuring us. This was even in the thickness of Lassa fever. Even at that, majority still believe it to be a lie. That's why I say, we don't appreciate what they do. Ehanire works for FG sir, not LASG. We are conditioned to think negatively about efforts of the FG. Someone mentioned up there that it grows fast in Burkina. Burkina also have almost the same climate as Nigeria.

I'm not saying the FG have done splendidly, they haven't, they have lapses, but we shouldn't downplay the efforts of the FG like they have been doing nothing.


It's FG that owns NCDC, and I see Ehanire at different places, enlightening the populace. That's FG, not LASG. Because they use Lagos doesn't make the glory that of LASG

excellent post bro. This is a global phenomenon and we will do ourselves no good with unfounded cynicism and doubt. Our health workers and contact tracing tracking teams are doing what they can under very difficult circumstances they need support not abuse.

Like you rightly said have the government agencies Don splendidly? No but they're done well to the best of their ability. They need every encouragement and support for instance if you are someone or know someone who has come to the Country please advise them to self isolate for 14 days. Also help educate your fellow man on the preventive measures to take.

Personally I think we may have more people that have the virus than the number stated due to the limited testing kits we currently have available. I'm just hoping people will be responsible to stay at home and avoid social gatherings for the next two weeks so that if they have the thing knowingly or unknowingly they would have recovered.

This shall surely pass. May God keep you and all our loved ones safe

Humility017:



you better know had it been this clueless folks where the ones heading the UK and Italian government it would have been worse than the way It was now.

the virus has not done much harm to us is just God...and not the clueless government that act too late and up till now how many test kits do we have around though the NCDC released their hot lines but considering the crowded nature of Nigeria society and all if the virus was to spread the way the scientist labelled it...then almost everyone in Lagos and high crowded areas in Abuja will have it

Leave God out of your ramblings. The head of the Catholic Church is in Italy, the head of thee Anglican church is in UK, but you, in Nigeria, thet
are practicing borrowed religions, think God has a special place for you and is protecting you from the virus.

Just take care of yourself.

Panic is human. I can’t stjll find toilet paper to buy, not that I NEED it.

LaMujer:


Nigerians love to panic generally.

Before the virus came in, Ehanire was always on TV assuring us. This was even in the thickness of Lassa fever. Even at that, majority still believe it to be a lie. That's why I say, we don't appreciate what they do. Ehanire works for FG sir, not LASG. We are conditioned to think negatively about efforts of the FG. Someone mentioned up there that it grows fast in Burkina. Burkina also have almost the same climate as Nigeria.

I'm not saying the FG have done splendidly, they haven't, they have lapses, but we shouldn't downplay the efforts of the FG like they have been doing nothing.


It's FG that owns NCDC, and I see Ehanire at different places, enlightening the populace. That's FG, not LASG. Because they use Lagos doesn't make the glory that of LASG