The Deputy Governor of Borno state, Umar Kadafur has said that
government will continue invest in health ‘facilities and medical
equipment’ to overcome air and water borne diseases.
According to him; over 45 per cent of health centres and facilities,
were destroyed in decade long Boko Haram insurgency.
Kadafur, who doubles as Chairman of COVID-19 response team; disclosed
this Friday in Maiduguri at Heroes’ Campaign of releasing 135 patients
from six isolation centres.
He said with the technical support of WHO and partners, the state
government activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to
coordinate partners’ response.
“There were nine response pillars including surveillance, risk
communication, case management, point of entry, laboratory, logistics,
coordination and mental health,” adding that other responses comprise
contact tracing and infection prevention and control were also
established.
Speaking on isolation centres, he said: “The state government has
established six functional isolation centres in Maiduguri metropolis,
Biu and Monguno.
He said the centres are located at Abba Kyari Memorial Hospital,
University to Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), BEWAC building and 7
Division, Nigerian Army at Biu and Monguno.
He said that the Biu and Munguno isolation centres are about to be
activated to treat individuals tested positive for coronavirus
(COVID-19).
While lamenting on high case fatality ratio, he said: “It could have
been worse if not for the commitment and courage of our healthcare
workers who have put their lives on the front burner to save all of
us.
“On behalf of our Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; I say thank you to
all the healthcare workers who are primary heroes and heroines before
the survivors.
“You’ve become the beacon of reality that COVID-19 is real but can be
survived.” noting that the health workers are symbol of hope that all
hope is not lost yet even as COVID-19 ravages the world.
Continued; “You have proved that the isolation centre is not a dead
end. You have confirmed that positive status today can be negative
status tomorrow.
“You have defeated COVID-19. For that I declare you heroes and
heroines. Congratulations!”
On the discharged patients, he said: “Despite your current negative
status, you still need to observe preventive etiquettes including
washing your hands under running water with soap or use hand
sanitizers regularly.
“You should maintain social distancing of two metres, and covering
your cough and sneezes with a disposable tissue paper.
“Your coughing is into your elbows. These are the only veritable
options to limit community transmission in the absence of any
effective vaccine to fight pandemic.”
While warning the discharged patients, he said: “Isolate yourself even
from family members if you feel symptoms of COVID-19.
“Use face mask in the public, as COVID-19 is real and we must face it.”
