“ The Nigerian government has taken some important steps to curb the spread of the virus. Borders have been closed, controls, pest control and information campaigns are carried out; authorities from various states have started closing schools and banning large gatherings, " however, reports Dr. Diejomaoh, " the increase in the number of cases recorded in the last few days is a worrying sign: the authorities must prepare to respond to the worst ".
Emergency situations, such as this linked to the new Coronavirus, particularly focus on the strong contradictions that characterize the "economic giant" and its great social and economic disparities.
The Nigerian health system is plagued by chronic underfunding and limited infrastructure. In addition, according to the Nigerian Medical Association, the country has around 40,000 doctors to provide assistance to an estimated population of nearly 200 million people. The doctor-patient relationship, according to the World Health Organization, is only one doctor for 2,500 patients, the recommended one is for one doctor per 1,000 patients, which means that Nigeria has less than half of the doctors who should respond adequately in a non-crisis situation. There is therefore great concern about the government's ability to respond to the pandemic.
“ At NF Hospital we are currently reducing work shifts and checking all patients arriving at the hospital. We struggle with the supply of protective devices which today are 20 times more expensive than usual ".
The private sector seems to be helping to support the state, increasing the ability to carry out tests (with only five analysis laboratories in the country, three of which in Lagos, the possibility of rapid tests is limited) and providing reception places for those is in quarantine, but the restrictions necessary to contain the Virus have a very strong impact on people's living conditions, the prospects are frightening.
“ Many people live on a day job basis. They eat what they earned yesterday. A 14-day quarantine puts the vast majority of people in desperate situations. This often means that it is very difficult to enforce the rules. Closing a market automatically affects the livelihoods of many thousands of people . "
The living conditions of the population make social distancing a concept that is difficult to apply in practice. Hygiene levels and the unavailability of running water in many areas are also transmission risks. " People are afraid because they know what they are facing in case of illness." It is estimated that there are around 500 lung ventilators for over 200 million people across the country; the most populous country in Africa therefore looks with terror at the spread of the coronavirus. And more effective responses are expected from the federal government.
From these responses will derive the ability to manage the emergency and perhaps, with greater investments in the health system, also the opportunity to improve the health of the most vulnerable people.
Niger Foundation Hospital is Harambee's partner for health projects.