Intrigues and Challenges Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as a global health crisis, with 3,855,788 infected persons and 256,862 deaths worldwide as of May 9, 2020. In Nigeria, the first case of the pandemic was reported by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control on February 27, 2020. Between the dates when the index case was reported and May 9, 2020, the nation has recorded a total of 4151 confirmed COVID-19 cases from 25,951 samples screened and 745 (18%) cases discharged with 128 deaths indicating a case fatality rate of 3.1%. Thirty-four (34) States and the Federal Capital Territory have recorded coronavirus disease. The most affected States in Nigeria is Lagos (epicentre of COVID-19) with 1764 cases, followed by 576 cases in Kano states and only one COVID-19 case in Anambra State 42 days since the last report of index case. Demographically, a total of 2828 male subjects have been infected representing 68% and 1323 female subjects representing 32%. The age group 31 -40 years is mostly affected accounting for 24%. The number of people with travel history is 210 (5%), 947 (23%) contacts, 2618 (63%) without epidemiological link and 376 (9%) with an incomplete information. Nigeria is currently witnessing community transmission of COVID-19. Some observed issues aiding community transmission of COVID-19 in Nigeria are: the distrust of some Nigeria citizens towards government on COVID-19 management, poverty, religious beliefs, ignorance on face mask sharing, low level of informed populace, misconceptions, stigmatization of infected individuals, poor health facilities, inadequate testing Centre, shortage of health workers, poor treatment among others. Effective people's health preventive behaviour and community-based health policy and strategies to mitigate these challenges are therein suggested.

Factors Affecting COVID-19 Testing Behaviours Among the Population in South Western Nigeria

“…The distance from the nearest testing center could be one of the reasons for low patronage in Lagos state and much more in Ondo. The low testing numbers can be attributed to the fact that there were not enough testing centers in the country, making access quite difficult for a larger percentage of people, especially those living in rural areas [ 20 , 21 ]. Few respondents from Lagos State also reported that they have been turned away from a testing center citing reasons which includes; being asymptomatic, crowded centers and insufficient funds to transport themselves to the testing centers.…”

Fighting COVID-19: The Medical Laboratory Involvement

“…Medical laboratory testing is very vital in public health emergencies [19] and in COVID-19 in particular thereby encouraging medical laboratory strengthening [31,32], towards overcoming all laboratory associated challenges in COVID-19 [33][34][35][36].…”

Drug supply shortage in Nigeria during COVID-19: efforts and challenges

“…*Correspondence: Johnbshara@gmail.com Society of Nigeria (PSN), that have suggested policies that would encourage local manufacturing of medicines, the federal government jacked up the tax for importation of essential drugs up to 20% as part of measures to encourage pharmaceutical firms to manufacture medicines locally [2,4].…”

“…Moreover, he demanded that at least 300 billion Naira should be injected into the sector to enable players in the pharmaceutical industry to ramp up local production rather than depending solely on import products. In line with this interest, and that of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), that have suggested policies that would encourage local manufacturing of medicines, the federal government jacked up the tax for importation of essential drugs up to 20% as part of measures to encourage pharmaceutical firms to manufacture medicines locally [ 2 , 4 ].…”