As part of efforts to curb the spread of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, governors, under the aegis of Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), on Thursday, said efforts have been intensified to improve logistical and operational efficiency for sample collection and care.
The NGF also disclosed that infection prevention and control committees will also be set up in States to support the role of health workers who are at the frontline of the pandemic.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the 5th COVID-19 teleconference meeting of the NGF held on Wednesday night, which was signed by Governor Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the Forum.
The NGF Chairman added that most states have established COVID-19 hotlines and will ensure that emergency services are integrated into the operations of their Task Force on COVID-19.
“Governors are working to improve their logistical and operational efficiency for sample collection and care. Most States have established COVID-19 hotlines and will ensure that emergency services are integrated into the operations of their Task Force on COVID-19,” he said.
According to the communique, the Forum received briefing from Dr. Sani Aliyu the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, and Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on activities of the PTF, including the current partnership with the Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to support States’ response to the pandemic through the delivery of essential health equipment and the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable persons.
“Members commended the Presidential Task Force and NCDC for ramping up the country’s testing and contact tracing capacity during the two-week period of lockdown in many parts of the country, and called for greater collaboration with States who are the primary stakeholders of the COVID-19 response.
“Following a briefing from the CACOVID led by Messrs. Aliko Dangote and Herbert Nwigwe and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, on the delivery of healthcare equipment and distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable persons across States, Governors commended the group for their commitment and collaboration on the COVID-19 response.
“Finally, Governors recognized the importance of ensuring the continuous existence of businesses during the lockdown and will take necessary measures to support same.”
By Chidi Ugwu,
Independent