The Health Writers Association of Nigeria, HEWAN, has urged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, to increase and set up laboratory testing for coronavirus accross Nigeria.
The group also urged the Federal Government to institute proper incentives for health workers in the fight against COVID-19, stating that health workers are leaving for the United States because of the promising incentives.
HEWAN disclosed in statement made available to Good Health Weekly.
The group argued that “With the rate at which cases are rising in Nigeria, there could be more individuals infected with the new coronavirus, if appropriate measures are not taken to limit the spread in states and within the healthcare delivery system.”
“Research effort is vital if Nigeria wants to end this pandemic and prevent future tragedies. Therefore, we urge the government at all levels to fund continued research efforts for vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.
“Our healthcare the system is further threatened by the call by the United States Government asking medical professionals seeking to work in America to apply for a work visa at the nearest US embassy as part of measures to strengthen the health system to contain the Coronavirus pandemic in America.
HEWAN stated that the Federal Government should set up welfare package and incentives for health workers in line with global standards in order to encourage health workers to stay in Nigeria.
“Considering how Nigerian-trained health workers leave the country in droves because of poor welfare and working conditions, Nigeria cannot afford to lose any of its health personnel to foreign nations at this critical time they are needed most.
“The welfare package must be well defined and spelt out inline with global standards. To have a fighting chance against COVID-19 and in treating those requiring intensive care, the government must invest adequately in the health sector to ensure that health workers are properly equipped with Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, masks, ventilator equipment, IV saline, and other medically critical supplies to ensure they can safely and appropriately care for patients with COVID-19.
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“HEWAN also wants the government to increase the number of testing centres across the country which and mobilise human and material resources at its disposal to immediately stop the spread of the virus before it becomes too late as the WHO had warned.
“We demand that all funds raised for the Coronavirus fight should be judiciously used and also accounted for. We call on Nigerians to follow the guidelines provided by the government, the World Health Organisation and the NCDC on preventive and protective measures against the pandemic.”