COVID-19: NGO Raises Concern, Seeks Govt’s Attention In Improving Healthcare System

A non-governmental organization, COMPLIMENTARIE has raised concerns over the management of the COVID-19 so far in Nigeria urging the authorities to concert efforts towards improving the healthcare sector of the country.

In a statement, the NGO warned of the grave consequences inherent in the inadequate monitoring and containment of the spread of the novel virus commending the steps taken since the index case in the country by the Presidential Task Force and state governments.

Executive Director of the COMPLIMENTARIE, Mrs Olusola Olukemi said besides the initiatives currently employed to contain the virus, the authorities must also seek ways of providing relief supplies to the less privileged and the downtrodden in the society.

Olukemi said “The Federal Government of Nigerian has taken some laudable steps so far in order to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic through limitations on passenger transportation and mass gatherings; establishment of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to lead and oversee the response at the strategic level; reinforcement of the public health measures at the points of entry; information and risk communication campaigns among other proactive interventions.”

“However, such measures do not cater to the specificity of the needs of the citizenry, which is having direct impact on their lives, businesses and work life. The macro-economic impact of the COVID-19 in Nigeria may also prove quite significant. The already imposed lockdown restrictions by the federal and different states government could lead to significant loss for businesses and their budgets, while additional financing are required to strengthen and ensure preparedness of the healthcare system.”

Some of the measures include ” Bringing awareness to the people especially masses living in the grassroots regarding the COVID-19 virus and the barrier gestures to prevent it, strengthening the capacity of the public healthcare system, including healthcare personnel, strengthening community-based mental health and psychosocial support programming to counteract COVID-19 mental health issues.”

“Supporting the communities in practicing and maintaining recommended safety measures and hygiene practices, Ensuring the allocation and distribution of essential supplies needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (PEP, masks, gloves etc.), supporting the people living along the contact line in sustaining their livelihoods, and in accessing their rights and social protection measures; and providing and ensuring palliative materials (foods and cash) to cushion the effects of the lockdown for the most vulnerable groups which include the aged, people living with disability, peasant farmers and menial workers, just to mention but a few.”

While implementing the steps, Olukemi stressed the importance to ensure that any restrictions imposed on the rights and freedoms are in line with human rights law and standards. She stated that they should not last longer than strictly required by the circumstances and should not disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.