Nigeria has 44 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of March 24,
2020, a sharp increase from 8 cases last week. There are currently eight cases
in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, and 29 in Lagos, the country’s
commercial hub. One death has been recorded, and 2 of the 44 patients have
fully recovered. As in other parts of the world, the actual number of cases is
most likely much higher, due to limited testing and the way the virus spreads,
with many who may be carrying the virus not showing any symptoms.
Nigeria’s healthcare system is plagued with chronic
under-funding and limited infrastructure. The government repeatedly falls short
on its 2001 commitment under the Abuja Declaration to spend at least 15 percent
of its budget on health.
In 2018, only 3.9 percent was allocated, and in 2020,
this marginally increased to 4.5 percent. According to the Nigerian Medical
Association, the country has only about 40,000 doctors to provide care for an
estimated population of almost 200 million.
With only five testing laboratories in the country, three of
them in Lagos, the capacity for quick testing is limited and currently only
available to those who have recently traveled internationally or had contact
with those confirmed or suspected to have the virus.
The United Nations-UN in Nigeria has mobilized $2
million to help the Government’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak and
care for those in the West African country stricken by the virus.
The funds will be used to procure essential medical supplies.
Nigeria’s Minister for Health, Osagie Ehanire, thanked the United Nations
system for its support. He said the Government will ensure that resources are
deployed where they are needed most, and that his Ministry is prepared for both
worst-case and best-case scenarios.
source: APO
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