In continuation of its sensitization program on COVID-19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 23rd edition of Twitter chat in the 25th of June, 2020.

 

The guest was Amina Mubarak Ahmad, State Lead, Bridge Connect Africa Initiative

 

She discussed on the topic “Impact of COVID 19 on domestic violence and the preventive measures”

 

She started by clearly saying the outbreak of COVID 19 has affected every-day life whereby the victims of domestic violence spend most considerable days with their abusers which has increased the likelihood of victims abused daily and most frequently.

 

She explained the contributors of domestic violence under the lockdown which are the restrictions of movement which gave birth rise to the frequent abuse and has stop the victims from seeking for help from relevant authorities.

 

In response to the questions addressed to her, she stated the global pandemic has affected the implementation process of ending Gender Base Violence and the need to review strategies in the implementation process. The Fight against Gender Based Violence should not be left in the hands of the Government and the CSOs because they can’t do it alone, people at the grassroots should play a vital role through community awareness campaigns and sensitization, supporting the victims of the Violence and also provide safe and enabling environment for gender based violence survivors without shaming and stigmatization. Social services will greatly have impact on the victims of domestic violence, through providing psychological and emotional support for the victims and also provide them with safe space where their voices will be heard.

 

In conclusion, she gave some recommendations, stating the need for community engagement in Gender Based Violence prevention and response and working closely with the community leaders, religious leaders and community members on ways to prevent the violence.

Engagement:

 

1. Amina Mubarak Ahmad (@aminamahmad), how has domestic violence been affected by #COVID19 pandemic? The outbreak of Covid_19 has affected I can say every sector of our today’s life, it affects domestic violence in such a manner that the victims now spent most considerable times with their abusers to some affected by total lockdown have to stay 24/7 with the abusers As such increases the likelihood of the victims being abuse daily and most frequently and forced to stay with their abusers
2. Welcome @aminamahmad, aside the effort made largely by the gov’t and CSOs in minimizing GBV. Do you think people at grass root have role to play and what could be that role? Fight against GBV is not for only the govt and the CSOs because they can’t do it alone, people at the grassroots can also play a vital role through community awareness campaigns and sensitization, supporting the victims of GBV, supporting the govt and CSOs intervention on GBV And also by providing safe and enabling environment for GBV survivors without shaming and stigmatization
3. Ma’am, What do you think are the contributors of the increased of Domestic Violence this period? The major contributor is the movement restrictions as the result of the pandemic, which forces the victims and the abusers to stay together and increases the chances of frequent abuse.
4. In recent times we have seen rise in domestic violence related cases, has #COVID19 pandemic played any role in the rise and how rampant the incidences become? It really plays a role, aside from the how the movement restrictions contribute to the increase in domestic violence, also lack of access to seek for help from the relevant authorities contribute to the increase of cases we are seeing today
5. reports from every region in Nig indicated that there are increased in Domestic Violence, how do you think this menace can be tackled & ensure justice to the victims? Yes when the necessary intervention measures are put in place which should be easily accessible, where the victims can reach out to and seek for justice despite the movement restrictions.
6. How is the pandemic likely to affect long-term progress toward ending domestic violence? What is the way out? This global pandemic affects almost I can everything, it affects also the implementation processes of already ongoing projects in bringing an end to GBV. The way out is by reviewing the strategies that will fit in with the situation wr have at hand today… Because we can’t say because of the pandemic and the way it affects may be the implementation of the strategy we have at hand we cannot do anything again.
7. do you think the Covid19 pandemic has taken us back in the fight against GBV in Nig. looking at how the numbers r increasing everyday? Yes it does, because now most of  these victims are now spending most of their times with the abusers, and most of the implementation processes for fighting GBV now are being affected by d ongoing pandemic. Because of the movement restrictions victims lack proper access 2 justice
8. Domestic violence was a global pandemic long before the COVID-19 outbreak. But pls, how have COVID-19 influenced rates of domestic violence?
9. Parents, government and people have roles to Respect, Protect and Report on GBV…How can all stakeholders play their role to prune the spread of GBV? Through community engagement in GBV prevention and response. By working closely with the community leaders, religious leaders and community members on how to prevent GBV.
10. what has been the impact on social services for domestic violence victims? Social services greatly impact the victims of domestic violence positively, through providing psychological and emotional support for the victims and also provide them with safe space where they can talk and be heard with out judgment nor justification
11. What can an individual, group or Govt do to protect those at risk of domestic violence amid the pandemic? Providing support and assistance for those at risk of domestic violence on how to protect themselves, when and how to seek for help/assistance.
12. Thank you so much @aminamahmad for being with us at this hour, the engagement is really educative and enlightening. We hope to have you some other time. Thank you so much it is my honor

 

 

In its effort to help in curtailing the spread of covid19 in the Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development have been organizing different enlightening programs to educate the general public on the danger of the virus and call on the attention of government in order to take the appropriate actions in controlling the virus. This week the chat centered on how fake news and misinformation are being spread by individuals, media houses, organizations and even sometimes by some governments is twitting the fight of the disease and misleading the general public. The guest for the chat was Salma Abdulwaheed who is a Communication expert and Head of the Centre for Information Technology and Development Office in Abuja. Mrs. Salma took her time to explain what the two terms means i.e. fake news and misinformation and how they affect the lives of the targeted individuals in general before delving into how powerful forces in the society are using them at this critical time for either fun, profit or to cause harm in the society.

Her response when asked how one can identify a fake news, she said “Take time to verify it. This can be done by checking how recently an account has been created, keeping a close eye on information from your local authorizes, or searching key word to find another source. And also engaging different verification tools online like google which can tell what you need to know about information you come across. Again, there is need to engage Metadata (a tool) it will tell you where and when an image or video was captured to avoid confusion in the case of fake”.

She went further to lament that Misinformation and Fake News could cause mental health and stigma of health service.

Advising government about the growing menace of fake news and misinformation in the society, Mrs. Abdulwaheed said government have the opportunities to gain public trust by displaying effective leadership to safe guard their people from the information epidemic via news media and statements. She also added that governments have an important role in promoting facts and scientific approaches.

Engagement:

	Comment and question	Reply
	Ø  Who is the head office Abuja will be speaking on fake news and misinformation is thwarting the fight against COVID-19. Ø  @a_sabo12 As expert stated , misinformation most of the time do damage than  the situation at hand (war, plague, pandemic e.t.c) why do you think agents of misinformation are investing so much on it.   Ø  @Mubarak Social media influences are using their social media platforms and fringe web site 2 proliferate misinformation, propagate conspiracy theory and promote denial of COVID-19 simply to growth.             Ø  @mubarak Fake news in Nigeria amids COVID-19 period is undermining medical advice, proffering fake cures, inciting panic and being used for political points scoring. As a communication expert what is your advice to the government.   Ø  @mukhtars_s Fake news and misinformation have created numerous hurdles for government federal and state, in their fight against the pandemic. What are its effects on public health?   Ø  @mubarak False information is spreading around the world to such an extent that some commentators are referring to the new avalanche of misinformation that’s accomin  COVID-19 as ‘disnfodemic’.  One identifies the real source from fake news. Ø  @Ali Mrs Salma, how can we control or stop misinformation & fake news when big people in power are also promoting it? For example US president, has been caught several times misleading people with his so call “cue” during this pandemic?   Ø  @mubarak Accurate science communication is key in fight against COVID-19, what can you say about accurate science communication in Nigeria’s fight against the pandemic?   Ø  @ Mubarak What role can civil society play in leveraging with govt bodies like the National Orientation Agency to ensure that correct information is shared widely in the public domin and that false news is quickly countred? Ø  Mrs, do you think it’s right or appropriate for big tech companies like to be taking down any news or information they think is misleading to the public? Ø  @chiroma Do you think government and media bodies are enough to tackle the separate of fake news especially in this critical time.	Ø  What makes it rampant is due some people want to generate revenue via web traffic or discrediting the virus or the government.         Ø  Because the science of the virus is not known. There is a confusion of causes, symptoms and even medication. as a result many people come up with all kind of ideas. Secondly the lockdown provides so much time for people to speculate. Ø  Government have the opportunities to gain public trust by displaying effective leadership to safe guard their people from the information epidemic via news media and statement. Ø  Verification of an online rumor will bring an end to fake news. This can be done by checking how recently an account has been created, keeping a close eye on information from your local authorities, or searching key words to find another source. Ø  I am glad to be a part of this discussion. Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I look forward to a successful chat. Ø   Engaging different verification tools online like google which can tell what you need to know about information you come across. Again, there is need to engage Metadata (a tool) it will tell you where and when an image or video was captured to avoid confusion in the case of fake. Ø  Governments have an important role in promoting facts and scientific approaches. they should provide public with information and analysis, and in countering rumors and distortion. Ø  @Ali Yes, we can panelize social media influencers, but what about those in authority that also promoting same course.   Ø  Let me start by saying misinformation runs rampant during time of unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Ø  Effort should also be made to reach out to the community level to curb the spread of fake news. Ø  Take time to verify it. This can be done by checking how recently an account has been created, keeping a close eye on information from your local authorizes, or searching key word to find another source. Ø  Yes such as internet in creating problem as I mentioned and of course some are paid as I said. Ø  Misinformation and fake news could cause mental health and stigma of health service. Ø  Some deliberately want to create problems. Some are paid to engage. However, there may be some driven by faith or those are ignorant. Ø  CSOs and government agencies should support and empower media development to fight misinformation and fake news. Ø  Here we come to the end of this educative chat with who is a Journalist and Head of office Abuja, on behalf of our E.D & all of us at #CITAD we thank you so much for this educative engagement. Have a nice day. Ø  @ali But, apart from these thing you have mentioned, a lot of educated people and sometimes those in power are also part of the purveyors of fake news and misinformation in the society, don’t you think there is a profit these people are getting from it? Ø  Disseminating correct medical and professional messages is very critical. WHO has partnered with social media platforms to ensure that right information is shared via platforms. Ø  For example Facebook is removing content with claims and conspiracy theories that have been debunked by the world health organization or other credible health experts. Ø  It’s also the responsibility of the big tech companies to debunk any misinformation on their platforms which has no credibility. Ø  Social media platforms should be more committed to amplify factual content and combat disinformation particularly those that are proactively removing harmful material.   Ø  Thank you everyone for your participation Ø  Journalists and media of all kinds are crucial to helping us make informed decision. In a pandemic, those decisions can save lives. Now more than ever, we need the media to document what is happening; to differentiate between fact and fiction and hold leader accountable.

 

 

 

16^th of June 2020

 

She started by responding to a question on the category of patients that can go to the hospital at this difficult time? She stated that as we know in this trying times, the health care system worldwide had received a major blow. Its weaknesses has been exposed, hospital capacity overwhelmed, and health care workers are falling ill from the current pandemic virus, COVID 19.

This simply tells us that not everyone can be treated now. It is important to note that in a pandemic certain, the standard rules of medicine does not apply anymore.

Therefore in response to the other question as well as the above, she said, health care system has created a rationing system. A.k.a triage system.

Though a bit flawed, this help us choose who gets priority in treatment. So people with emergency conditions such as asthma, heart attack, acute abdomen (eg appendicitis), women in labor, road traffic accidents etc get priority over others.

She further stated that not everyone can be treated now. It is important to note that in a pandemic certain, the standard rules of medicine does not apply anymore.

She also advise people to stay away from hospitals especially when going to treat certain (less threatening) ailments.

You see we developing countries are at a loss. The first world countries and other have already incorporated the telemedicine consulting scheme into their healthcare system. This telemedicine ranges from robots being the first line to charts and video consultations with doctors. This helps curb the load of patients in the hospital as well as reduces the risk for otherwise healthy patient with just minor ailments.

 

On the issue of neglecting or rejecting patient by health workers when they visited hospitals with other diseases.

The simple answer is lack of awareness. People don’t understand the burden that pandemics and disasters put on the hospitals as well as the healthcare workers. And it is not their faults.

In creating this awareness, there must be collaboration between the Ministry of health, education, information.

 

She stated dialogue has been long existing even before the immergence of the Ebola virus. The dialogue has included increase in manpower, equipment PPEs, to aid the smooth delivery of health services to patients.

To some extent success have been recorded.

 

Discussing on plans for what happens if the number of coronavirus patients exceeds the available space in intensive care units whether we have such plans in Nigeria do we have such plans.

Well I’m sure those countries you’re referring to are the first world countries. We cannot compare with them because their medicine has by far surpass ours.

But yes, plans are being made on how to create more ICUs.

It’s a good thing our numbers are not rising as fast as that of Italy. Although that does not mean we should relax

 

In her recommendations to Government, private sector and general public.

Recommendations to the government includes.

 

1. Government should learn from this pandemic and adjust to fully investing in the healthcare systems. We have seen them do it being their immediate action in creating isolation center

 

2. The infrastructure of the hospitals should be amended.
3. Health workers and other staffs working at the forefront should be fully equipped with the necessary equipment

 

4. Increase manpower.
5. Community awareness is also keys.

As for the private sectors, i would strongly recommend they also invest in our health system.

As for the general public, they should empathize with us doctors. We are also humans with families. And for every day we see a patient we put not just our lives but that of our loved ones at risk. That does not mean that we do not regard our patients of high importance.

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12:

Good afternoon all, please welcome Doctor Fatima Zango, @ZaRaXaNg who will be speaking on how do Hospitals decide who gets treatment at this difficult time at @ICTAdvocates twitter chat

@YZYau

@ChiromaHope

@UsmanRx

@nissimase

@teemerh_beekay

@IsaKamilu

@kamalkano

@macfound

10

Retweets

2

Likes

 

 

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg:

Jun 16

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@ICTAdvocates

and 8 others

Good afternoon everyone. It’s a pleasure to be invited to partake in this discussion on this platform

@ICTAdvocates

 

 

kamal garba

@kamalkano:

 

Dr. @ZaRaXaNg, People want to know the category of patients that can go to the hospital at this difficult time?

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

@nissimase

@Mairo_Ado

@IsaKamilu

@ICTAdvocates

@HariraWakili

10

Retweets

4

Likes

Zahra

@ZaRaXaNg:

Replying to

@kamalkano

@a_sabo12

and 6 others

Well as we know in this trying time, the health care system world-wide had received a major blow. Its weaknesses has been exposed, hospital capacity overwhelmed, and health care workers are falling ill from the current pandemic virus, COVID 19.

2

10

4

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12:

So who do you ensure people with other disease being treated at this difficult time?

@YZYau

@ChiromaHope

@MubarakEkute

@kamalkano

@HariraWakili

@Mairo_Ado

@teemerh_beekay

@nissimase

Welcome Dr.

@ZaRaXaNg. Pls. Who gets priority to treatment at this difficult time?

@ICTAdvocates

 

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

 

Replying to

@ZaRaXaNg

@kamalkano:

and 6 others

So who do you ensure people with other disease being treated at this difficult time?

@YZYau

@ChiromaHope

@MubarakEkute

@kamalkano

@HariraWakili

@Mairo_Ado

@teemerh_beekay

@nissimase

MUKHTY4

@mukhtars_s:

Okay Dr. @ZaRaXaNg,

What happens to children? Are there intensive care unit resources specifically for children in Nigeria? Bebause, a report shows that, in USA children have become critically ill with Covid-19.

@ICTAdvocates

3

Retweets

1

Like

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg:

 

Replying to

@mukhtars_s

and

@ICTAdvocates

Well owing to this pandemic we have seen that our health care system was indeed in shambles , but with the little the government officials has done in creating isolation centres, they are equipped with icu for children

elmubarak bin ekute

@MubarakEkute

@ZaRaXaNg

By ethics and code of practice, are hospitals in better position to decide who they attend to?

@Mairo_Ado

@ICTAdvocates

@a_sabo12

@abdullahi_ari

@YZYau

@ooomiiiii

@nissimase

7

Retweets

3

Likes

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

Replying to

@MubarakEkute

@Mairo_Ado

and 6 others

Yes. They are. Each hospital is governed by a functioning body who sit with health care worker, technicians, public health workers and various core staff to design a pandemic/disaster triage scheme.

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

 

Doctor

@ZaRaXaNg

Many people are complaining about how they or their loved ones are being neglected or rejected by health workers when they visited hospitals with other diseases, what do you think is leading to this & what do u think can be done to solve the issue

@ICTAdvocates

 

 

4

Likes

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@ICTAdvocates

and 10 others

The simple answer is lack of awareness. People don’t understand the burden that pandemics and disasters put on the hospitals as well as the healthcare workers. And it is not their faults

2

7

3

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Who is responsible of creating this awareness, doctor?

1

6

1

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

It is a collaboration between the Ministry of health , education, information.

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Doctor, as we are coming to the end of this educative one hour engagement, what recommendations you have for gov’t, private sector and general public on situation like this, @ZaRaXaNg?

@YZYau

@MubarakEkute

@ChiromaHope

@ICTAdvocates

@kamalkano

@IsaKamilu

@Ashshaza1

@macfound

10

Retweets

4

Likes

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

and 7 others

I have already stated in my previous tweets what is demanded form the government. As for the private sectors, i would strongly recommend they also invest in our health system.

5

2Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

and 7 others

As for the general public, they should empathize with us doctors. We are also humans with families. And for every day we see a patient we put not just our lives but that of our loved ones at risk. That does not mean that we do not regard our patients

1

6

2

 

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Of high importance.

MUKHTY4

@mukhtars_s

 

Dr.

@ZaRaXaNg. In some countries, hospitals and public health officials are working on plans for what happens if the numbe of coronavirus patients exceeds the available space in intensive care units. Pls, In Nigeria do we have such plans?

@ICTAdvocates, @YZYau, @MubarakEkute

9

Retweets

1

Like

 

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Replying to

@mukhtars_s

@ICTAdvocates

and 2 others

Well I’m sure those countries you’re referring to are the first world countries. We cannot compare with them because their medicine has by far surpassed ours. But yes, plans are being made on how to create more ICUs.

1

4

2

 

 

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

It’s a good thing our numbers are not rising as fast as that of Italy. Although that does not mean we should relax

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

As we come to the end of today’s twitter chat, on behalf of our E.D  @YZYau & the entire @ICTAdvocates staff we extend our appreciation to our guest, Dr Fatima-Zarah Zango @ZaRaXaNg for the educative engagement, thank you so much doc.

@ChiromaHope

@IsaKamilu

@kamalkano

@nissimase

elmubarak bin ekute and 4 others

10

Retweets

5

Likes

 

 

Zahra 

 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

and 10 others

Thank you so much for having me. I look forward to partaking in more discussions, that if you will have me.

1

8

4

 

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

 

Of course, it will be our honour, doc.

1

4

2

 

 

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

That would be great. Thank you once more.

 

5^th of June 2020

Coalition of Civil Societies launched a campaign to push for systemic change on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Nigeria. In response to the protest, Actionaid Nigeria and CITAD mobilized 20 women in the communities to join the protest.

The Protest was held at the force headquarters in the nation’s capital to challenge the legislators on what was being done to protect women and girls and to end rape and other violence against women. The demonstrators comprise of mainly women and numbering more than 200. A petition was submitted to the Inspector General of Police.

The aim of the peaceful protest is to demand for domestication of Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and Childs Rights Act in all states of the federation

Establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC) should be implemented in every States.

Criminalization and prompt state led prosecution of GBV cases within, regardless of requests or interference by the victims’ family

The demonstration held many banners and demanded that those responsible for the attack and murder of SGBV victims should be prosecuted and brought to justice.

At the end of the protest, Actionaid and CITAD team sensitized the community women on the rise of SGBV and the preventive measures to put in place in case of any eventualities.

Climate change is increasingly becoming a serious challenge to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. Various manifestations of its impact are evident which include increase in drought, scarcity of food instigated by irregularities of rainfall and over flooding.

The tree planting exercise was initiated by Actionaid Nigeria in collaboration with CITAD to address the problems of climate change in the globe.

Agriculture and Food Processing Unit of Actionaid Nigeria initiated said it aim at sensitizing the public on the importance of trees in our environment and also to discourage indiscriminate falling of trees due to its attendant consequences,

The beneficiaries of the projects are communities in FCT in four Area Councils, Bwari, AMAC, Kwali and Kuje Area Council.The benefiting communities are Tungan Ashere, Passepa, Kilankwa, Jiwa Tsoho, Dakwa, Gwalada and Kayache. The beneficiaries of the tree were children with their parents as guardian. The children also gave a pet name to each tree for easy identification.

Four hundred and five (405) trees were shared among the communities; the variety of trees shared includes Oranges, Mangoes, Guava, Palm trees, SourSop and cashew trees.

 

 

Now that Covid – 19 changed the registers we use daily to some limited words; isolation, PPEs, face mask and ventilators among others, Covid – 19 is continually becoming a daily routine on news headlines, bill boards, all media platforms and the prime prior concern of all the countries across the globe. Government of all nations, philanthropies and nongovernmental organizations stood firm in in developing strategies that will curb the spread of the pandemic looking at the adverse negative effects this deadly pandemic has on the world economy and the general livelihood of the people.

It is to this end that our organization, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) which has ICT as its core mandate comes up with series of initiatives mostly ICT – related in its bid to support all other relevant stakeholders in the fight against Covid – 19. One of these initiatives is a twitter chat series that comes twice every week.

This week we hosted Dr. Abdulrahman Bello, Medical Officer, Maitama District Hospital who discussed on – Responding to Health Impact of Covid – 19: How will Covid – 19 Transform the Nigerian Health System Delivery. In the course of his conversation, he discussed in depth the deltas and plus of the government response in the fight against Covid – 19.

Questions and contributions were entertained as well.

Below is the copy of the chat as appeared on twitter timeline.

 

Dr Abdurrahman Bello (@thablu2th), how would you describe the response to #COVID19

Pandemic by different actors?

How effective or otherwise has the response been so far particularly from the healthcare delivery perspective?

 

2. Good afternoon! The response has been coordinated well. Noticed an increase in level of response from our Healthcare agencies and personnel in terms of awareness, diagnosis and prevention methods.

 

3. Good afternoon! The response has been coordinated well. Noticed an increase in level of response from our healthcare agencies and personnel in terms of awareness, diagnosis and prevention methods.

 

4. Which of the prevention method do think is good for the people living the rural area, so that when you to them we sensitize them.

 

5. Simple basic hand washing technique. Water, sanitation and hygiene. It goes a long way as a preventive strategy. Use of face masks and reporting any suspected case to any nearby health facility

 

6. Disposable (non-medical) mask, kn95 mask, N95 mask. We can do business from high price to high price and accept customization. There is no limit to the quantity, because we are factories.

What should be the future plans by government and private sectors to provide adequate health facilities to curb the spread of COVID 19 and any diseases that may pop up?

 

8. Develop a framework where all aspects of healthcare provision will key in especially access to PHC as it is closer to the populace. Healthcare financing is the key also in terms of budgetary provisions

 

9. What were some lapses initially observed in Nigeria’s response to the pandemic?

 

10. Closure of borders and ban on gathering in public spaces was not done immediately.

 

11. Dr what are the impacts of Covid19 to health sector particularly in Nigeria?

 

12. Well,the COVID19 situatn has exposed some of our vulnerabilities.

At the same time,Govt has stepped us in various ways to help the situation. Interventions by the CBN to improve the sector with 100billion Naira health care fund at low interest rates.

 

13. And do you think the money injected by CBN is enough and will be used for the purpose it has been released?

 

14. As a start, it’s enough. Main important issue is people to come up and request for loans dedicated for such purpose. It’s an intervention fund created by the CBN.

 

15. But the issue is why there be interest on the loans when other countries are helping their citizens and SMEs with

capital (free) in order to get them back to their feet we are here giving loan with 5% interest @cenbank

 

16. That should be an angle to explore. Interest free loans provided by Govt to start up healthcare industry.

These factors I think depends on the strength of the economy

 

17. @ICTAdvocates: @thablu2th, In your own opinion what are the strategies to put in place to reduce infection of health workers with COVID

 

18. Provision of readily available protective equipment. Provision of standard face masks which are scarce.

Development of management algorithms in terms of seeing a patient and referral system

Invitation to Participate in Online Training for Youth Leaders on Organizing Community Responses to COVID-19

In continuation of its educative programs on Covid19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) held a twitter chat on the 2^nd of June, 2020. The guest was Dr. Abdullahi Lawal Kazaure who is a Medical Doctor, he discussed on the impact of COVID-19 Global Pandemic, the Management and Control of other deadly diseases: Steps other Health Care Facilities can take to prevent and control the spread of COVID 19 from unidentifiable patients to other patients via health care providers. Doctor Kazaure made it clear that the Pandemic is real and highly infectious and contagious.

 

Explaining the situation, Doctor Kazaure said “looking at how critical the situation is, government are now easing the lockdown which there is need to put all preventive measures in place”. He emphasized on the need for government to ramp up the health care systems and enforce policies which will further limit the spread of the virus.

In the course of the discussion, he made some recommendation to government and health workers. Stating that there is need for government to provide functional Health care system, essential humanitarian materials and maintain water sanitation facilities at strategic locations. Also. Medical Professionals should pay attention to other deadly diseases and they should ensure to make diagnosis before administering medications.

He further went ahead to advise citizens to build their immune systems and always ensure all the preventive measures are taken into consideration.

 

Engagement:

 

Doctor @AKazaure what do you think we need to know about this pandemic; its consequences and danger associated with it as some states and even the FG started easing lockdown in their states? First and foremost we have to believe this pandemic is real, and very highly infectious and transmissible, It affects all people of all age groups and ethnicity, and even tho the mortality rates are lower than other pandemics recorded, it is still a danger Well Governments with easing lockdown is a measure for the country to move forward, because all over the world countries are easing and putting measures for their respective nations. This doesn’t mean it has been defeated, it is now the government’s responsibility to put in and enforce measures for prevention of the spread of this disease and also arming the health care system to be ready for the surge of this outbreak It is also our own responsibility to protect ourselves using measures such as social distancing, hand washing, and face masks while we continue our daily activities

 

But don’t you think this will set us back in this fight, because I have seen many articles by health experts saying that the time to reopen the country is not yet done? What is your take on this? Well this is important really, I believe this is not the right time for us to ease the lockdown, because the fight for this is far from over, but still from the government point of view they are thinking of their citizen livelihood So it is the duty of the Government to ramp up our health care systems and also enforce policies and guidelines which can further limit the spread of the virus, the vaccine is still in research and treatment is still vague, I believe a surge in amount of cases is still waiting

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered as the most crucial global health calamity of the century and the greatest challenge that the humankind faced since the 2nd World War

 

Doctor what steps do you think health facilities can take to ensure that Covid19 has not interfere with treatment of other deadly diseases in the country? Well it is the responsibility of Every doctor and every health official to have a high level of suspicion for every disease out, it is our responsibility not to only concentrate on Covid 19 but also keep an eye on other diseases, Health facilities should produce isolation rooms for patients, provide personal protective equipments, face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers to every health care professionals, provide lectures and screening procedures for patients, Liaisons with the appropriate agencies for prompt sample taking, patient transport,

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered as the most crucial global health calamity of the century and the greatest challenge that the humankind faced since the 2nd World War

 

The COVID -19 outbreak has already disrupted the global economy, and the demand for hospital care is exceeding the capacity of many nations’ health care systems

 

But we must not forget that other diseases of Public health importance are still out there such as Ebola, Lassa fever, Measles, Cholera, Cerebral Meningitis

 

These diseases you have mentioned, how do you think they can be controlled amidst this pandemic, don’t you think the over stressed of health facilities by the covid19 pandemic will lead to health facilities to neglect this diseases?

 

These diseases have to be still be in our minds, not only should we concentrate on Covid 19 but the other infectious diseases, Public enlightenment should continue on these other diseases, Health care facilities and professionals should not also forget to keep in their minds that this is not the only infectious disease we are having problem with, they should always have a broad mind in making diagnosis, and differentials, Even tho our health caste system is not optimum it is our duty to do our best from every perspective starting from the individual to the highest tier of the government Just yesterday there was a new wave of Ebola virus in DRC in which 4 patients died, there fore we most not relent in our active search for other diseases of public importance

 

Functioning health infrastructure is scarce, and the capacity to refer patients is extremely limited. With so many people already vulnerable to outbreaks of disease, essential humanitarian assistance must be maintained; water and sanitation facilities

 

Doctor (@AKazaure), what information do you have for people that are above the age of 60, patient with BP, Diabetes, pregnant women and other people with health problems that will make them more vulnerable to Covid19? In addition to them, the children, these are the immunocompromised patients, and have a higher rate of mortality when infected, these patient should absolutely follow the preventive measures and avoid public spaces, continue taking their medications, take on immune supplements Such as Vitamin C , fruits, leave a healthy life and not sedentary lifestyle, avoid smoke, and always be in touch with their respective specialists. Because they are the most vulnerable

 

In general, Doctor (@AKazaure), do you think our health facilities are capable of providing us with all the necessary support we need ? I have to say all healthcare professionals are trying their best to give you the support we can but we have a below par system, equipments are not enough for both the professionals and the patients, we are understaffed, our hospitals are not enough for the country And access to healthcare is not available to every individual to the community, for the rural communities health care is expensive to them, We don’t have enough doctors, nurses , technicians , but in general the available ones are trying their best to support

 

As the chat is ending in just 2 minutes, what general recommendations can you give based on the topic discussed

 

As the chat is ending in just 2 minutes, what general recommendations can you give based on the topic discussed? Individuals should follow the guidelines WHO have provided, Health care professionals should be proactive in recognizing and management of Not only Covid 19 but other diseases of public importance, and government to support all of us It is our duty as an Individual to protect ourselves and the duty of the Government to protect us, let us not be ignorant and try to help out each other to fight this war

 

We will be stopping shortly, we are wondering if you have more recommendations you want to share here, Dr. @AKazaure? All in General I want us to believe this pandemic is real, but it is not a death sentence when you are diagnosed, we should try as much as possible to exercise social distancing, wear our face masks, disinfectants should be used and pray for a cure or vaccine should be out soon It is also a wake up call for the government to improve our healthcare systems, because even the countries with the best health care systems were overpowered, and encourage more healthcare professionals.

 

Date: 22 May, 2020.

 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development as part of its contribution to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the country  organized a Twitter chat on Friday to enlighten the general public about Covid-19 pandemic; safety measures, government and citizens’ efforts, giving recommendations to government and ensure citizens needs are being cater for during the lockdown.

 

This week the Centre hosted Pharm Khalid Garba Muhammad, a Lecturer with Department of Pharmaceutical Technology BUK, and Guest Lecturer at University of Charleston, USA as Discussant. On today’s chat Mr. Khalid discussed on the “Impact of COVID-19 on Health Sector: Nigerian Perspective. The discussant emphasized on health policies that enhance human security and role of the community in the prevention and transmission of this deadly virus. He said, in Nigeria COVID-19 Pandemic has exposed the strengths and weaknesses of Health systems.

 

While discussing the topic, the guest lamented how many countries are still struggling to curtail the spread “He advised that NCDC needs to step up their testing capacity. Khalid further urges Federal government to focus and strengthen the health systems through capacity building and improved health infrastructure. He also advised that Nigerian government policy on COVID-19 should include community pharmacist in testing and referring patients with COVID-19 through appropriate capacity building and special training for pharmacists.

 

OBSERVATION:

 

The discussion was educative as the guest discussed the impact of COVID 19 on health Sector and how health policies enhance human security.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

CITAD should continue organizing programs like this so that public would be informed and enlightened about issues that matter to them.

 

ENGAGEMENT

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Health systems across the globe are overwhelmed because of the novel nature of the COVID-19. Therefore, the need for novel diagnostics, treatment (vaccine and new therapeutics), and special training for healthcare personnel.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Health Systems includes all actors, institutions, and resources that undertake health actions. Health actions are all actions whose primary intent is to improve health.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Health Systems performance can be assessed by: 1. Outcomes/goals: Health coverage, Responsiveness (dignity, confidentiality, prompt attention, amenities), Fairness in financial contribution.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

2. Inputs to the system (functions): Financing (revenue collection, pooling, and purchasing), Resource generation (human resources, facilities, and equipment, knowledge), and Stewardship.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the strengths and weaknesses of Health Systems in different countries across the globe. In spite of the novel nature of the disease with no definitive treatment or vaccine available yet, many countries are able to contain the spread of the virus…

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Through proactive social measures, and many have shown resilience in their Health System by treating active cases through drug repositioning and supportive treatments.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

However, many countries are still struggling to contain the spread, and even to treat active cases especially in the developing countries with fragile Health Systems. In Nigeria, apart from the COVID-19 burden and uncertainties…

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

In Nigeria, apart from the COVID-19 burden and uncertainties, there is increased risk of unattended NCDs patients and other none COVID-19 related diseases due to the following factors:

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

1. Obscondment of some healthcare staff due to lack of sufficient personal protective equipment (during the onset of cases) 2. Psychological impact on healthcare staff and lack of sufficient healthcare workforce

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

3. Some patients refused to visit the hospital due to fear of contracting the disease in the hospital.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Thanks to the excellent work of the NCDC Director, he has been doing amazing work out there, and the entire NCDC staff. However, there are rising cases of the virus in many places, perhaps the sudden deaths recorded in Kano and other parts of the country can be attributed to:

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

1. Poor surveillance of the infected cases 2. Lack of coordination and proper monitoring at the isolation centers 3. Poor public awareness about the COVID-19 and dangers associated with it. 4. Public disbelief about COVID-19.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

It is rather laughable and lamentable seeing some state government in Nigeria advertising seeking healthcare professional volunteers during this pandemic. We have thousands of fresh healthcare professional graduates searching for jobs…

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

And the space that needs their services across the country is not saturated. Why would someone risk his/her life volunteering? Let the government employ them, please (personal opinion).

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Thanks to the excellent work of the NCDC Director, he has been doing amazing work out there, and the entire NCDC staff. However, there are rising cases of the virus in many places, perhaps the sudden deaths recorded in Kano and other parts of the country can be attributed to:

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

1. Poor surveillance of the infected cases 2. Lack of coordination and proper monitoring at the isolation centers 3. Poor public awareness about the COVID-19 and dangers associated with it. 4. Public disbelief about COVID-19.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

It is rather laughable and lamentable seeing some state government in Nigeria advertising seeking healthcare professional volunteers during this pandemic. We have thousands of fresh healthcare professional graduates searching for jobs…

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

And the space that needs their services across the country is not saturated. Why would someone risk his/her life volunteering? Let the government employ them, please (personal opinion).

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

As of yesterday 21 May 2020, NCDC recorded a total of 7016 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, with the only ¼ recovered, and 211 deaths so far.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

In Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people, a total of 41,907 tests have been conducted by the NCDC to date, while South Africa for instance with a population of approximately 60 million, a total of 525,433 tests have been conducted.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

So, I think, the NCDC needs to step up their testing capacity. I am sure Nigeria has the resources and the capability to do so. Because the faster you test, the faster to track active cases and initiate treatment interventions.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

On the final notes: 1. Improved Health System capacity and concerted efforted between the Federal and State government are necessary for fighting COVID-19 in Nigeria.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

2. The COVID-19 has taught us that NO medical trips for elites including government officials now, so the need to focus and strengthen our own Health System through capacity building and improved health infrastructure for all Nigerians.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

3. The Federal and State government must be careful in easing the ongoing lockdown, because, according to international best practices, you ease the lockdown and social restrictions only when cases are winding down, not when the cases are rising.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

4. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated to the entire world that pharmacists are indispensable in any healthcare system. i.e., many communities have turned to the pharmacists for their basic healthcare needs.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Moreover, the entire world is now waiting for COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics from pharmaceutical companies that are largely controlled by pharmacists.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

5. Nigerian government policy on COVID-19 should include community pharmacists in testing and referring patients with COVID-19 through appropriate capacity building and special training for the pharmacists.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Thanks to the excellent work of the NCDC Director, he has been doing amazing work out there, and the entire NCDC staff. However, there are rising cases of the virus in many places, perhaps the sudden deaths recorded in Kano and other parts of the country can be attributed to:

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

1. Poor surveillance of the infected cases 2. Lack of coordination and proper monitoring at the isolation centers 3. Poor public awareness about the COVID-19 and dangers associated with it. 4. Public disbelief about COVID-19.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

It is rather laughable and lamentable seeing some state government in Nigeria advertising seeking healthcare professional volunteers during this pandemic. We have thousands of fresh healthcare professional graduates searching for jobs…

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

And the space that needs their services across the country is not saturated. Why would someone risk his/her life volunteering? Let the government employ them, please (personal opinion).

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

As of yesterday 21 May 2020, NCDC recorded a total of 7016 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, with the only ¼ recovered, and 211 deaths so far.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

In Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people, a total of 41,907 tests have been conducted by the NCDC to date, while South Africa for instance with a population of approximately 60 million, a total of 525,433 tests have been conducted.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

So, I think, the NCDC needs to step up their testing capacity. I am sure Nigeria has the resources and the capability to do so. Because the faster you test, the faster to track active cases and initiate treatment interventions.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

On the final notes: 1. Improved Health System capacity and concerted efforted between the Federal and State government are necessary for fighting COVID-19 in Nigeria.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

2. The COVID-19 has taught us that NO medical trips for elites including government officials now, so the need to focus and strengthen our own Health System through capacity building and improved health infrastructure for all Nigerians.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

3. The Federal and State government must be careful in easing the ongoing lockdown, because, according to international best practices, you ease the lockdown and social restrictions only when cases are winding down, not when the cases are rising.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

4. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated to the entire world that pharmacists are indispensable in any healthcare system. i.e., many communities have turned to the pharmacists for their basic healthcare needs.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

Moreover, the entire world is now waiting for COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics from pharmaceutical companies that are largely controlled by pharmacists.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

5. Nigerian government policy on COVID-19 should include community pharmacists in testing and referring patients with COVID-19 through appropriate capacity building and special training for the pharmacists.

 Thursday, 28th May, 2020

 Amidst lockdown ease by state governments, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has on Thursday 28th May, 2020 Organized a twitter chat to determine whether the lockdown is a bless or a curse in Nigeria.  The chat is the 15th twitter chat in the series organized by the centre and has Dr. Zainab Ibrahim Usman, Medical Doctor and Public Health Advocate as a discussant. In respond to the pandemic, if you could recall some months after the outbreak of the pandemic, Nigerian government announced a nationwide lockdown especially in Lagos, the capital city, Abuja and Ogun and later on across the country to contain the spread of Covid-19, closing schools and non-essential businesses, and suspending road, air and rail travels. According to the discussant, there is no clear answer whether the lockdown is a blessing to the country or not. While the lockdown has brought undue hardship to the citizens financially and health wise as many people died from non Covid 19 related cases then it curtailed the spread of the virus and reduces community transmission. It also stimulated government to add effort in primary healthcare services as the pandemic exposed the inadequacy of our healthcare facilities, force government to increase funding in healthcare system so as to provide basic equipment and employ more healthcare workers.  The lockdown also exposed lack of funding for research so that the country should be less dependent on foreign countries. 

 

Finally, she suggested that government should ignore the lockdown policy and encourage social distancing, use of face masks, regular hands washing and other strategies suggested by health practitioners as you cannot lock millions of people at home without providing them with basic necessity of life. 

 

ENGAGEMENT 

 Doctor, what lessons do you think people can learn from this pandemic? 

We are glad you are joining us Dr. @Zaiynabbb, can you please give us your thoughts on whether or not this pandemic season can serve as lesson to reposition the health sector to work better for people? 

 

Thus going forward what have we learnt. 

 

1. Govt needs to invest more on our primary healthcare services as the pandemic has exposed the inadequacy of our health care system
2. Increase funding of our health care system so as to be able to provide the basicequipmentand employ more healthcare workers 
3. The need to involve everyone and every sector as to promote and increasesensitizationof health issues 
4. Increase funding for research as we will be less dependent of foreign governments to provide drugs and vaccinesin caseof future outbreaks. 
5. Government should have a clear policy that takes incognizanceof our peculiarities such that it will prevent undue and untold hardship caused by the lockdown in case of future occurrences 

 

 

Even with D imposition of lockdown, D country still record new cases of Covid19 on a daily basis, will allowing people go about their normal businesses Vis-a-Vis adhering to D use of PPE’s & other safety measures stated by NCDC not proof better outcomes? 

 

Based on your experience as a medical practitioner, do you think people are learning anything from this pandemic? 

 

Many are of view that, ppl are dying with hunger. For instance, the high number of deaths in Kano occur after the enforcement of the T lockdown. Due to a No. of conditions, and covid19 seemed to have been ruled out. ur view, pls 

A 

 

 

The Educational sector has suffered immeasurable setbacks, perhaps some online classes are on but what then becomes of children in the rural areas who for the most part, have no access to television? 

A 

The danger of COVID-19 and Hunger which one is more dangerous. Because if you are force to stay at and no food what do you will happen. Your adverse to government. 

A 

 

 

Security forces enforcing lockdown orders across Nigeria had killed more people than the coronavirus. Pls, can this be fact that lockdown is a curse not a blessing in Nigeria? 

A 

 

 

 

Looking at the nature of lock downs in #Nigeria where citizens are locked at home for some days and allowed to go out for some days. 

Do you see wisdom behind allowing people to go out; resulting to more congestion especially in market and other public places? 

There’s no wisdom behind this actually. I think the best thing to do is to allow people to resume back to their normal activities with few limitations. Compulsory wearing of facemask, high risk people should stay at home (elderly and people with immunosuppression) 

 

 

Some Business owners take advantage of the present situation to inflate the prices of essential commodities, does this have the tendency of subjecting people into more hardship? What then is the way out? 

The Educational sector has suffered immeasurable setbacks, perhaps some online classes are on but what then becomes of children in the rural areas who for the most part, have no access to television? 

The parents of those children in rural areas cannot provide that for them and the government is not ready to do that. The best thing to do is to fumigate schools and reopen them while observing basic precautions. 

 

 

Sir what sustainable modality should government, NGOs and the general public put in place to prevent the reemergence of Covid19 after the pandemic has ended? 

Vaccine is the only solution to prevent reemergence of this disease 

Dr, do you think we are close to getting a vaccine, if not, what strategies can we deploy in order to live with virus? 

Reports from WHO and other private investors has shown that we’re not getting vaccine anytime soon. We need to learn how to live with the virus. By sharing facemasks and hand sanitizers and letting people go about and enforcing safety measures. 

 

 

Which is the best strategy for prevention of spread? Sharing of Palliatives to cushion the effect of lockdown on people and to encourage them to stay at home or sharing of facemasks and hand sanitizers/letting people go about and enforcing safety measures. 

The latter. Which is sharing of facemasks and hand sanitizers/letting people go about and enforcing safety measures. 

A 

Distributing face masks, hand sanitizers etc is more important if people will be allowed to go around with their day to day activities else sharing food stuffs is more important if the lockdown is still imposed. 

 

 

Though Africa is the least hit continent, can we continue depending on the WESTERN world for medical breakthrough. Or we should look inward and what are the basic step need to be taken 

2. Increase funding for research purposes
3. Our research labs should be upgraded andmodernizedto meet the latest standards 
4. Encourageyoung ones to focus more on inventions and not just to read and pass. 

 

 

But don’t you think the reason of it failure is because people refused to comply with order 100%, Doctor? 

How can a hungry man comply with policies on a virus that he’s not even sure it exist? So many people still believe it’s a hoax 

 

 

A lot has been said about what Nigeria does not have in combating the pandemic. What does it have at its disposal? 

Nothing. 

 

 

Which category of people did you think are more affected with the lock down (children, youth or the aged)? 

Youth 

 

 

 

What your opinion about easing of the lock down by some state government and the impact on the economy? 

We’re already heading into economic recession which is more deadly to us than covid-19. And it’s crystal clear that we can’t curtail the spread of this virus. I think it’s better for us to focus more on our economy by resuming back to work 

 

 

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) had in the umpteenth time contributed immensely to the GDP growth of the nation, What becomes of the GDP with businesses locked down? 

The growth has taken a downward spiral since this pandemic and this is same for many countries. 

It will take a while for it to recover and not likely this year. 

Government will have to put in measures to help protect and uplift these SME’s 

 

Dr @Zaiynabbb can you please explain how helpful the lockdown is with regard to reducing the spread of the virus in our communities? 

It has not help in anywhere cos community transmission has already been established before the lockdown. 

 

 

Dr. @zainabbb, looking at the nature of lock downs in #Nigeria where citizens are locked at home for some days and allowed to go out for some days. 

Do you see wisdom behind allowing people to go out; resulting to more congestion especially in market and other public places? 

If you ask me the best thing is to dissolve this lockdown policy cos obviously it has failed. You can’t lock millions of people at home without providing basic necessities. 

 

 

@Zaiynabbb based on your experience as a medical practitioner, do you think people are learning anything from this pandemic 

Some are learning while some are not. But I belong must of us found out how inadequate our healthcare system is 

 

 

Thanks doc. U mentioned compulsory wearing of facemasks, considering the most commonly use mask in the community is Clothes mask, how effective is it in protecting the virus?? 

Not as effective as the surgical mask and N95. Less than 50% protection. Well it’s better to have some form of protection than to have nothing 

 

Comments 

@wisdombugaj 

I tend to agree with your suggestions, in fact Dr Zainab is amongst the few sensible doc that are advocates of this realistic guidelines. 

 

@bappafatimerh 

Distributing face masks, hand sanitizers etc. is more important if people will be allowed to go around with their day to day activities else sharing food stuffs is more important if the lockdown is still imposed.