HMH SPEECH AT THE PTF ON COVID-19 PRESS BRIEFING ON 4TH MAY, 2020
A SPEECH OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HEALTH, DR. OSAGIE EHANIRE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON COVID-19 PRESS BRIEFING ON MONDAY 4TH MAY, 2020
PROTOCOL
As we begin a new week and the prospects of gradual easing of the lockdown, I wish to start by reminding citizens that it comes with an added responsibility to be extra vigilant and compliant with accompanying measures and guidelines that are meant to assure that we do not lose the health gains we have made so far, since our COVID-19 statistics are of considerable concern. Attention has also been drawn to the observation that countries who eased or lifted restrictions, suffered an increase in new cases. Although our projections had already featured increasing number of cases, even with the lockdown, we expect that the redoubling efforts to adhere to government directives, can keep figures within control ranges of the COVID-19 virus. Over the past few days, case finding has yielded higher figures, such that yesterday, Sunday, 3rd May, 170 persons tested positive, bringing the total to 2,558 confirmed to have COVID-19 in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
2. 400 persons have been discharged and 87 deaths have been recorded. Of the 170 new cases, there were 39 in Lagos, 29 in Kano, 24 in Ogun, 18 in Bauchi, 15 in Kaduna, 12 each in FCT and Sokoto, 8 in Katsina, 7 in Borno, 3 in Nasarawa, 2 in Adamawa, and 1 in Oyo.
3. We can say we are fully in community transmission mode and our strategy is to take all persons who test positive to Isolation, even if they have no symptoms, so that they do not risk infecting others, who may be more vulnerable due to other diseases. We need to protect, not only ourselves, but each other and our loved ones. We need to make sacrifices today for a better tomorrow.
4. With regard to Kano, the Federal Ministry of Health is strengthening its support for Kano with service delivery and training in cconsultation with His Excellency, the governor. The setbacks in routine hospital service delivery in Kano are being addressed by line experts from the Ministry, whether from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Department of Family Health and a pathologist who is participating in the investigation of the unexplained deaths in Kano. The team shall be reinforced according to needs expressed by the State government to strengthen its healthcare structure.
5. NPHCDA is working with the State primary health/community health workforce to sensitize the population on covid19, at grassroots level and expand our testing capacity. I again call on all citizens to cooperate with health workers and for those testing positive to comply with invitations to enter Isolation care.
6. I also call on all health care facilities, both private and public not to reject persons seeking medical help, especially in emergencies. It is unethical not to attend to persons in distress. I also urge citizens to go to the hospital when not feeling well and to cooperate by giving accurate information especially with regard to travel history.
7. We have indicated interest to the World Health Organisation to be part of the global solidarity trial of medicines being tried to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts are ongoing to also conduct research here in Nigeria. Other drugs can be added based on emerging evidence. In all this, we shall ensure the maintenance of ethical standards and safety of our people.
8. I wish to again, recognize our Health Care Workers who are at the frontlines, for your commitment and to reiterate the importance of maintaining high safety standards and Infection Prevention and Control protocols at your workplace. This not only protects you but your family. We shall ensure more personal protective equipment for you and urge you to ensure its judicious use.
9. Finally, I thank all citizens for their resilience and endurance over the past weeks; this is a sacrifice for the greater good of us all.
Thank you.
