Covid-19 in Nigeria: Exploring the Paradigm Shift and Issues' Arising

Abstract

Background: Corona viruses are a family of deadly viruses that cause respiratory illnesses; they were first reported in Wuhan city, China. Since its report in China, the virus has spread almost across the whole continents of the world leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths. Furthermore, upon declaration of Covid-19 as a public health emergency of international concern, the world has moved its frontiers to new way of life viz-a-viz paradigm shifts with a cascade of issues arising on a daily basis.

Methods: The sources of the information presented was obtained through detailed review of literatures (search terms: Covid-19, Beta corona virus and paradigm shift and matter arising), anecdotal/case analysis, and surveys undertaking from the field. Also other key facts were obtained from relevant websites (such as Nigeria World health organization, Centre for Disease Control and prevention, Nigeria Center for Disease Control, Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health).

Results: The likelihood of a worsened outbreak in Nigeria and other developing countries characterized by poor adherence to standard precautions, poor health care facility, deficiency of adequate laboratory facilities for prompt diagnosis and personal protective equipment (PPE) can raise the profile of this disease to worrisome levels. Regular training of health care workers, continue Covid-19 health awareness campaign, Health education of the communities, improved funding through budgetary allocation for surveillance, prompt case management including laboratory facilities, is not only extremely essential at this point in time but also expedient in the light of the threat of COVID-19.

Conclusion: The dearth of molecular laboratories and poor health-care delivery system in Nigeria would continue to impede the effective prevention and control of evolving infectious diseases including Covid-19. There is an urgent need to address all the issues impeding on Covid-19 control in order to effectively control and prevent it.