On the day we recorded the first death (a returnee from the UK) from Corona virus’ 35 cases, and 15,000 deaths globally, it appears the President addressed Nigerians as the numbers begin to ramp up. Some have become accustomed to hearing through his spokesmen. Better late than never: let us borrow a leaf from other countries with daily briefings, providing information, taking questions, accepting the gaps and challenges, but encouraging their people. Ours is still a haze of ‘there is no Corona virus’, ‘it cannot survive our hot weather’, ‘the numbers are untrue’….
Ironically, alongside India, it is projected that Nigeria will be seriously hit by the Corona Virus. The reasons include our teeming population, one of the world’s highest illiteracy, and poverty levels. Our situation is worsened by the plummeted oil income, perilous Doctor to Patients ratio, and our near-total dependence on importation of drugs and medicals. Into this mix, throw corruption, and leadership that wantonly disobeys rules.
A more fundamental question are the numbers being reported. There is doubt. We are still relying on tracing against a virus where infected persons can remain asymptomatic while spreading it. Even with this tracing approach, two contacts of the index case still roam large (according to the authorities)! How many weeks ago? After the index case and up to two days ago, plane loads of people were flying in from areas with spiralling cases. What were being brought in that is more important than our lives? The big men and their children needed to return, maybe.
The indicators are not looking good at all. Legislators refusing screening at the airports; children of the elite refusing to self-isolate on return from abroad, rather partying in Abuja! The health authorities not responding to calls from those who have self-isolated. All indicators are the dam’s broken, while in our usual style, we are playing games….
Nations have recognised and embarked on ensuring aggressive testing. We are not testing enough. Partly because testing kits and personal prevention materials (PPM) are not available. Bottom-line: we did not prepare and are still not serious about this rampaging pandemic. Was it not reported the index case tried escaping from confinement because the unready place worsened his already dampened state?
We may be on the verge of a second supernatural escape after Ebola, we may be on the verge of an avoidable disaster. This battle is not for government, indeed, it is beyond government. All hands need to be on deck. Nigerians need all men of goodwill to rise to this generational need. This is war. Time to invite professionals (strategy, logistics, etc) to join civil servants. We have already lost much ground. Please.
LAGOS STATE’S VERY EXPENSIVE JOKE
Lagos must be commended for its efforts at containing the Virus’ spread. Governor Sanwo-Olu has commendably been at the forefront, communicating with the people. However, its directives that garages and transporters provide sanitizers and hand washing facilities is a big joke. Government should provide these. Yes, it is said that the state and transporters have an unusual bond politically and financially, but these are abnormal times. The risks at garages and markets are just too high. Other nations are spending to save lives, we cannot be pennywise and life-foolish.