It has been said that since the outbreak of Spanish Fluids, world has never seen a threat to human existence similar to this. World over is in lockdown, millions of people have been tested positive for the virus, thousands of people have lost their lives, many businesses have been crashed and countries are on the brink of falling into recession as announced by the IMF Chief. Countries, organizations and individual have been trying and playing their part on how and the ways to prevent the spread of the virus or to find a cure to it. In Nigeria, after the first recorded case of the virus in Lagos, the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure the virus has not done much damage to the country. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the agency responsible for handling the situation has been providing information on the preventive measures against Covid-19 in the country, but one agency’s efforts will not be enough, that is why concerned organizations and individuals are coming up with other initiatives to compliment the government efforts. It is on this note that the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)came up with many initiatives in order to reduce the spread of the virus among people. These initiatives include advocacy, online media campaigns (sharing of infographics and messages on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp), and Twitter Chat with Health Professionals. The twitter chat which is being conducted twice every week (Monday and Thursdays) usually invites health professionals to discuss Strengthening Preventive Measures Against Covid-19. On the fourth round of the chat which was held on the 9th of April, 2020,CITAD hosted a United Kingdom based Doctor, Doctor Lawal Hassan Mohammed, Chase Farm Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Trust.

In the chat the guest took time to explain what Covid-19 is to the audience, its preventive measures and what people need to do to stay safe. The one hour chat was a participatory one where people asked questions and the guest provided them with answers. Finally, there were 17 tweet questions asked during the conversation and the guest was able to answer most of the questions asked. In addition, the tweets were re-tweeted 158 times with 37 likes reaching thousands of people in the process. Below are tweets and responses

Hello everyone, thank you for having me. For starters, I’m no public health specialist but we’ll do my best collectively to address our concerns accordingly.
S/N	TWEET QUESTION	DOCTOR’S RESPONSE	NUMBER OF RETWEET	NUMBER OF LIKE
1	@ICTAdvocates what is the likely chance of transport by air infection in comparison to infection via droplets?		5	2
2	Other viruses like seasonal flu (influenza) and coronoviruses which are benign do poorly in warm & moist weather. So it’s not an unreasonable assumption, however we’re seeing cases everywhere irrespective of the weather. Also, this is a new virus so we can’t count on it.		4	1
3	It has really been fruitful one hour with @dr_lawi , we are immensely grateful for your time. We are also grateful to everyone for participating in the chat. Thank you everyone @YZYau @sagiru_ado @a_sabo12 @Ashshaza1	Dr. L H Mohammed @dr_lawi · 19h Replying to @ICTAdvocates   @YZYau and 3 others It’s been my pleasure, thank you for having me. Please accept my apologies if I haven’t responded to all concerns, I’m happy to answer them later when free (my lunch break is over)	7	2
4	@ICTAdvocates   @dr_lawi good Evening Dr. Some people are advocating to uses salt, garlic with warm water for preventive measure against this covid-19. Is this proper? Thanks. @yzyau	2
5	Thanks @dr_lawi Pls. how  prepared is Govt. and responsible agencies  for COVID-19 here in Kano? @ICTAdvocates		3	2
6	@dr_lawi we were told that our weather is resistance to Covid19 especially here in northwestern Nigeria, that even if Covid19 affected us the hot weather will quarantine it, Doc. What is your take on this assertions? Is it true or otherwise? @YZYau @DrEOEhanire @ICTAdvocates	Other viruses like seasonal flu (influenza) and coronoviruses which are benign do poorly in warm & moist weather. So it’s not an unreasonable assumption, however we’re seeing cases everywhere irrespective of the weather. Also, this is a new virus so we can’t count on it.	4	1
7	Apart from public awareness that needs to be improved, is there anything that you @dr_lawi think should be done by either authorities or other actors in stopping the spread or addressing the virus? @YZYau @sagiru_ado @isahcitad @inuhu123 @Ado9ja1	Individuals have to do their own part by following ruled out guidelines by appropriate authorities. Govt can do more by testing more suspected cases, I don’t know what the criteria is by NCDC but I’ve read complaints of many people unable to get tested or even get in touch.	6
8	@dr_lawi , where people suspect a case of #COVIDー19, what action are they supposed to take first? @YZYau @Mairo_Ado @sagiru_ado @a_sabo12	Stay home / isolate self. Call the appropriate bodies; eg NCDC for advice. Monitor symptoms carefully and escalate accordingly. Rest and stay hydrated.	8	1
9	@Dr_lawi in a case of rural communities where they don’t have good portable drinking water, what are medical advice would you give to us to enlight them to protect themself against Covid 19. @ICTAdvocates @YZYau @hamzaish	Replying to @dahiruabubakar   @ICTAdvocates and 2 others It’d still be the norm as earlier outlined. Use whatever is available to them. Enlighten them about how it’s transmitted so they can adhere to the preventive measures.	13	2
10	@dr_lawi here in Kano its seem people dont understand  physical distancing what is it ? and why and how should I do it? A question by @mukhtars_s	By physical distancing; 1. Protect yourself 2. Protect others (esp vulnerable) if you have the virus unknowingly / asymptomatic	4
11	@dr_lawi good Day! Doc. Inspire the measures taking by both FG and states to curtail the spread of Covid19 in Nigeria, sir why the numbers is still skyrocketing? What should be the best ways 4 individuals?pls @YZYau @abdullahiabduji @ICTAdvocates @mukhtars_s @DrTedros	I think the gov’t as a whole is doing its best, some may say otherwise. But it certainly can’t do for all, so we have to play our own part as individuals in protecting ourselves and loved ones. Kindly go through my earlier tweets.	12	3
12	@dr_lawi , Why are medical workers getting sick with or dying from coronavirus if they’re wearing protective gear? @ICTAdvocates @a_sabo12 @Mairo_Ado @YZYau @IsaKamilu @hamzaish @sagiru_ado @nissimase @ChiromaHope	Replying to @kamalkano   @ICTAdvocates and 8 others PPEs can only help to prevent but can’t be certain it’s 100%. Are they using it properly? At all times? Generally, working at the frontline increases ones’ risk by many folds despite gears. Also, they’re still susceptible outside their work zone/life.	16	3
13	We specifically want clarification on this so that people who could not afford hand sanitizer can have alternative @dr_lawi .@YZYau @sagiru_ado @HariraWakili @Mairo_Ado @kblawanty @inuhu123 @rhamsys	Replying to @ICTAdvocates @YZYau and 13 others In fact, I prefer to advise use of soap and water. Sanitizers aren’t readily available and could be costly.	15	2
14	@ICTAdvocates Doctors in the country protested the idea of inviting your counterpart from China to strengthen your work in curtailing the spread of the virus. Why is argument? #COVID19 @YZYau @a_sabo12 @sagiru_ado @Mairo_Ado @HariraWakili	In fact, I prefer to advise use of soap and water. Sanitizers aren’t readily available and could be costly.	11	3
15	As efforts are mounted at preventing the #COVID19 in Nigeria, @dr_lawi observes that public awareness is still lacking. People need to know that this virus is real and many are dying by the day. @YZYau @NCDCgov @kamalkano @Ashshaza1 @sagiru_ado @a_sabo12 @HariraWakili @Mairo_Ado	Our religious and community leaders have a vital role to play .. People need to be educated. Fact that one or his/her relative isn’t affected doesn’t negate that the virus isn’t spreading.	15	3
16	@dr_lawi , will every soap be an alternative to hand sanitizer in maintaining personal hygiene? @YZYau @sagiru_ado @a_sabo12 @kamalkano @inuhu123 @thesheetng @ChiromaHope @isahcitad @houseknyt @UsmanRx @rhamsys @NCDCgov @WHO @Fmohnigeria	1.      Any plain/regular soap is able to annihilate the virus once hands are washed properly. There are steps in doing this, also for at least 20 secs. 2.      Replying to @ICTAdvocates @YZYau and 13 others In fact, I prefer to advise use of soap and water. Sanitizers aren’t readily available and could be costly.	12	2
	@dr_lawi , what mechanisms are most effective in preventing the spread of #COVID19? @YZYau @NCDCgov @a_sabo12 @Mairo_Ado @KabirHamisuKura @kamalkano @sagiru_ado @Ashshaza1	1.      I’m sure we’ve seen and/or heard of these repeatedly, nothing has changed. Simple, yet very important steps; 1. Wash your hands with soap and water often, do this for at least 20 seconds. Or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol 2.      4. Physical (Social) distancing; 2m (6ft) away from people. Use a face mask if you’re sick or caring for someone who is sick Follow guidelines 3.      Stay at home, unless necessary. 4.      Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards. 5.      Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects in your home, such as door handles, taps, remotes.
17	Based on your assessment of Nigerian efforts at preventing the spread of #COVID19, @dr_lawi , what do you think is lacking and is most significant in addressing the virus? @YZYau @a_sabo12 @sagiru_ado @Mairo_Ado @nissimase @inuhu123 @kamalkano @UsmanRx @kblawanty @HariraWakili	I’m not there first hand, but from what I’ve seen and read, it’s enough to see that public awareness is still lacking. People need to know that this virus is real and many are dying by the day.	15	6
	NCDC directs us to wash our hands frequently under running water and the running water is scarce in most of the communities. What other strategies of washing hands you will share with us? @dr_lawi @YZYau @sagiru_ado @HariraWakili @Mairo_Ado @kblawanty @inuhu123 @rhamsys	I do appreciate that is a problem which needs to be addressed by the govt and other private organisations willing to help. But, I’m not aware of other alternatives after water and sanitizer.	8	4

 

Prepared by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Kano

Issued: 7^th April, 2020

Nigeria recorded it first case of Corona Virus on 27 February, 2020 in Lagos State.

As the number of confirmed cases increases day by day, several States in Nigeria took different drastic measures to respond to the pandemic, including states where the outbreak has not been recorded.

Kano State decided to close schools across the state from 23rd of March and asked all workers to stay at home for 14 days. It subsequently closed its borders from mid night of Friday, 27th of the same month. Similarly, there were directives which strongly advised people to abide by social distancing and avoid congregational prayers, all social activities such as cinemas, clubs, joints and viewing centers were closed and ceremonial gatherings in the state were banned.

Issues:

To understand the level of compliance of Kano State citizens to the above directives, CITAD undertook assessment visits to certain mosques, markets and streets within the metropolis.

1. The assessment has shown that people have ignored the social distancing directives. Similarly, markets activities are still going on as usual without any obvious precautions in place, and ceremonial gatherings are currently going on as usual with exception of few individuals.
2. Another point of concern is how the directives of state border closure is not quite effective as it supposed to. Reports have shown several people flowing into the state from other states with a little amount of bribe ranging from 200 hundred to 1000 naira depending on the type of car you are entering with, as claimed by the travelers themselves and report by our observers.
3. To emphasize on the ineffectiveness of the state border closure, there were incidences of bringing corpses of controversial death to the state like the case of Bichi and Hisbah board which the authorities handled with negligence. Again, someone crossed the border to Kano and fell sick in Gaya with suspicious symptoms (under examination now). In the case of Bichi, a family brought a corpse all the way to Bich, in Kano State from Abuja to be buried and the family resisted demand by Medical Personnel undersnd the cause of the death,
4. Another thing to consider is the operation of “Yan Adaidata Sahu” (tricycle riders). They still carry as many as four people and do not carry sanitizers, soap or even water.
5. In many places, football pitches are busy with youth playing, unmindful of the implications of coding so. Some of the places we observed this happening include: FCT Football pitch in Kabuga where staff and youth from the neighboring communities play, Ahmed Musa Centre, CBN Quarters in Hotoro where youth played wedding soccer, Doraiyi Karama, Filin Sarki where youth play daily,
6. Across the states, wedding ceremonies are being held without precautions and in defiance of directive against large gathering, one of the high profiles wedding was wedding Fatiha of the sister of Hon Kabiru Ado Lawaya, State Commissioner for Youth Development, held in Lakwaya of Gwarzo LGA which many politicians, government official and youth attended. It is regrettable that a government official of this position could flaunt this directive by the very government his is serving. This sent a wrong signal as many other people conducted weddings.

CITAD used the following as its case study in this report:

1. Friday mosques including Kofar Nassarawa Friday mosque, Sheik Jaafar Mahmoud Adam Friday Mosque Sabuwar Gandu, BUK and the Central Mosque Emir of Kano’s palace. The Friday prayers were held in these mosques without any prevention measures in place.
2. Markets places including Dawanau market, Sabon Gari market, France road market, Kwari market, Janguza market and Abubakar Rimi market. Our observers found out that market activities are going on as usual without any prevention measures in place.
3. State boarders including Zakirai- Ringim, Kano-Zaria, and Kano-Dutse. In the case of Dutse, people now go to Takai and take the road to Albasu from there, they take a feeder road to Dutse where there is no border check point. People going to Bauchi, Gombe, Yola, Maiduguri as well as coming these places all take this route. By the time they get to Dutse, they then take Dutse to Huguma Road where they become geographically in Jigawa state and so they are not prevented from going to Birmin Kudu from where they continue their journey.

This disrespect for the directives presents to grave dangers as such large gatherings are what the virus needs to multiply and cause havoc

Conclusion

Based on these assessments, CITAD has deduced that:

1. Some people in the state are not taking the social distancing seriously
2. The government directives meant to prevent the pandemic from occurring in the state are treated with levity by greedy officials.
3. There is still lack of good communication between the authority responsible for containing the spread of the virus and people
4. Some religious people are still sabotaging the efforts of authorities feeding the gullible people with wrong information about the virus
5. Citizens are well coopted in the process, indicating either the absence or inadequate sensitization/ enlightenment campaigns by the authorities

Recommendations

We call on the concerned authorities and the general public to:

1. Border patrol should not be limited to highway only, feeder roads should also be included to prevent people from bypassing authorities
2. Ensure adequate measures such as proper monitoring on the state’s borders to stop entering the state from any border.
3. Citizens need to be fully coopted into any committee inaugurated by the state.
4. Religious leaders need to be fully sensitive and punish anyone found misleading the public.
5. Set a committee on public enlightenment on CoronaVirus and its preventive measures.
6. The public to adhere by the guidelines set by WHO and other professional bodies.
7. Government should not just focus on raising funds at the detriment of getting people to embracing preventive measures that would be effective in curtailing the spread of the virus

CITAD is issuing this assessment as part of its commitment to an informed citizenry as critical pillar in the fight against COVID 19. It will continue to offer such assessment for time to time or as the situation demands.

Signed

 

Ali Sabo
Communications Officer

In its effort to combat the widespread of Corona Virus pandemic in Nigeria, and as an organization that has as its mandate the use of ICTs to empower citizens for a just and knowledge based society that is anchored on balanced and sustainable development, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) held its third twitter chat Tuesday the 7^th of April, 2020 with Pharmacist Usman Nasir, a medical expert, health advocate that specialized on Public Health. The aim is to equip citizens with the right information in this critical time so, they stay safe with their families and loved ones and on the other hand, the chat is intended to curb the spread of fake news/misinformation on Coronavirus as the right information from expert is made readily available to them.

The chat was intensely publicized via various social media platforms to let the populace have the window to learn from experts and also make inquiries about their unanswered questions. The chat took place online (twitter) and started at exactly 2pm.

CITAD declared the chat open by welcoming the guest and the participants in attendance. While CITAD moderate the session, pharmacist Usman Nasir, in the course of the chat; Usman responded to thirty seven (37) questions plus some common misinterpretations about Covid19 he addressed voluntarily.

Responding shortly at the end of the session, one of the participants confessed that through the chat he learned that the Covid-19 virus is transmitted via droplet.

The session came to an end at 3:04

RECOMMENDATIONS AS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE RESOURCE PERSON

1. Government should extend lockdowns and must be serious and committed this time
2. People must ensure adequate compliance of appropriate safety and preventive measures as contained in the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AS EXTRACTED:

1. Question:   Phar. Usman Nasir, @UsmanRx, we would to start by first asking whether there is a cure for the #COVID19 as at today, because we understand that there is rumor going on particularly on social media, please respond to that before move further

Answer: Thank you.

To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the Covid-19.

However, there has been ongoing global mega trials of four most potential corona virus treatments Remdesivir, Chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, Ritonavir/lopinavir, Ritonavir/lopinavir

 

2. Question: Pharm @UsmanRx how can we debunk the myth around this Coronavirus; people are still saying the disease is a western conspiracy to stop Muslims from praying. How can we convince them scientifically?

Answer: People are suffering devastating real-world impacts of a deluge of online virus misinformation. This is certainly not true, pandemics don’t work that way. Covid-19 is global, cut across the western world, every religion and race. Tell them that the pandemic is not being selective.

 

3.  I’ll start by responding to these questions, though he sent the questions via DM.
4. Is this true that coronavirus do not survive on 28 Celsius?
5. Can you have covid19 and show no symptoms?
6. Can one get coronavirus for second time?
7. Is there any vaccine for this virus?

 

Answer:

1. No, it is not true. You can catch COVID-19, no matter how the weather is. Countries with hot weather such as Saudi Arabia have reported cases of COVID-19
2. Yes, a significant portion of people infected with the COVID-19 patients may never show coronavirus symptoms.
3. Yes, recovery doesn’t mean that those with prior infections are not still at risk. They must adequate observe protective measures
4. Currently there is no vaccine for the virus. The best way to prevent the disease is to protect yourself from being exposed to this virus.

 

4. Question: @UsmanRx, thanks for accepting to feature on this platform. How can we understand the recovery rate in Nigeria? Is this something unique or is it grounded in good case management?

Answer: Well, early detection of the disease is key to fast recovery. Again, Nigeria Healthcare professionals are trying their best to contain the virus based on approved @WHO guidelines. Moreover, we have few cases of the elderly and seriously ill. So why not?

 

5. Question: What is expected from a person living in the state like Kano where the disease is not yet identified?

Answer: Do not panic. Observe proper preventive measures…. Wash your hands, pray and stay calm. Get adequate information from appropriate sources. Thank you

 

6. Question: @UsmanRx is there a link between CONVID19 AND 5G NETWORK @ICTAdvocates

Answer: Apart of social distancing, washing hands, what else can do to protect ourselves, against COVID-19.

Ensure that all animal’s products are cooked properly before use. Don’t touch ur face, nose, ears, eyes with unwashed hands. Get ur news from trusted sources like @WHO @NCDCgov @Fmohnigeria etc.

 

7. @UsmanRx, Currently living in core northern Nigeria particular NW where our people at grassroots level have no even basic information about #COVID19 and didn’t even believe it it’s real. So how can we enlight them and even urge them to protect themselves by staying at home?

Answer: Unattended

 

8. @UsmanRx, how can we understand the recovery rate in Nigeria? Is this something unique or is it grounded in good case management?

Answer: Unattended

 

9. @UsmanRx you just mentioned that there are drugs currently on trial, can one just buy those drugs and take them as prophylaxis?

Answer: No, it is dangerous to use drugs which have not been approved for specific purpose.

It is important to note that, all drugs have potentials to cause harm when used wrongly. Wait for the final approval and guidelines regarding their uses. Thank you

 

10. @usmanrx Corona Virus shares common symptoms with asthma and pnumonia, why the vaccines of those diseases are not been used to cure Coronavirus?

Answer: Pneumonia is a bacteria, Covid – 19 is a virus. They are two different things and so they require different vaccines. Pneumonia vaccine doesn’t provide any protection against covid 19. Forget about the symptoms!.

 

11. Question @UsmanRx thanks for accepting to feature on this platform. How can we understand the recovery rate in Nigeria? Is this something unique or is it grounded in good case management?

Answer: Well, early detection of the disease is key to fast recovery. Again, Nigeria Healthcare professionals are trying their best to contain the virus based on approved @WHO guidelines. Moreover, we have few cases of the elderly and seriously ill. So why not?

 

12. Question: @UsmanRx, According to @NCDCgov, as at last night, 35 patients recovered from #Covid19 and they were all discharged from hospital.

While some expert still maintained that #Covid19 have no cure yet.

How would you put the two claims together please?

Answer: Thank you. The mainstay for the Covid 19 is appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness are to receive optimized supportive care.

 

Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials/compassionate use.

 

13.   Question: @UsmanRx, it seems that from the way some Nigerians are responding to advice by health professionals, they do not seem convince about COVID 19. These people are a weak link to the efforts to curb is spread: what can use advice should be done in this regards? @ICTAdvocates

Answer: Continued media advocacy (Radio stations and all), community leaders, religious leaders will definitely help in creating awareness mainly through the media houses since we have been locked down.

 

14. Question: @UsmanRx, let’s now talk about self-medication that some people are peddling particularly on social media. How good or bad is self-medication in terms of addressing #COVID19?

Answer: WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicine including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19.

Antibiotics or garlic do not work against viruses (Covid-19 inclusive), only work against bacteria.

Don’t under any circumstances try to self-medicate please.

 

15. Question: Is it safe to receive a package from any area where #COVID19 has been reported and how long does the virus survived on surface???

Answer: No, it is not safe. The virus is transmitted via droplets from sneeze or cough from an infected person. When you get access to such droplets on ur hands and touches ur eyes/nose you get infected. It survives for many hours, no reliable data to validate a specific time frame.

 

16. Does coronavirus has link with 5G?

Answer: No please.

@CDDWestAfrica and @CDDWestAfrica_have conducted a fact check on your question and they found that 5G is not connected to #COVID19 pandemic, read full report below: https://www.cddwestafrica.org/5g-network-not-connected-to-coronavirus-pandemic/

 

17. Question: @UsmanRx you just mentioned that there are drugs currently on trial, can one just buy those drugs and take them as prophylaxis?

 

Answer: No, it is dangerous to use drugs which have not been approved for specific purpose.

It is important to note that, all drugs have potentials to cause harm when used wrongly. Wait for the final approval and guidelines regarding their uses. Thank you

 

18. Question: @UsmanRx, does Nigeria, in your estimation have the capacity to research and develop a vaccine for the COVID 19? If no, what can be done to quickly beef up the capacity?

Answer: Nigeria does not have such capacity. Nigeria would have to invest in the areas of molecular microbiology particularly molecular virology, biotechnological researches in addition to equipping Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and development which is nothing to write about now.

 

19.  Question: Will they these four you listed help in treating the virus?

Answer: Researches are still on going to determine their effectiveness, safety margins and all. However, some countries like the U.S have already given approval for their compassionate use under the supervision of medical experts for investigational purposes

 

20. Question: It is true that there is vaccine for Covid-19, bcos people are posting it via social media

Answer: It is certainly not true. Researches are ongoing to develop some vaccines for it. For now, the only vaccine you have is to try protecting yourself by observing appropriate preventive measures as issued by @WHO

 

21. Question: In the second instance despite the facial lockdown imposed by our state govt, our people don’t stay home, they go for their daily activities partying, cin kasuwa & social gathering as if there is no pandemic around like #COVID19. What measure to look?

Answer: Place serious sanction on them. Laws should be enforced, and must be strictly followed.

Create wider coverage of awareness campaigns.

 

22.  Question: @UsmanRx, Ships are docking with food and other items. Is it possible that these items may carry the virus on their surfaces due to handling by workers in the source countries who might have the virus? In that situation what would you suggest Ports authorities do?

Answer: It is possible, however that depends on the survival time of the virus on such surfaces. Therefore, upon entry the ships must be disinfected appropriately using standard disinfection guidelines as issued by @WHO

 

23.  Question: Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?

Answer: Yes, it is possible. In fact some research papers have it that Covid19 originated from animal source. However the identity of such animal has not been determined.  Question: how effective is face mask in preventing people from #COVID19?

Answer: Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Regularly washing your hands offers more protection against #COVID19 than wearing face masks. Find attacked

https://twitter.com/UsmanRx/status/1247528176953118724

 

24. Question: What will you advise business people especially those into pharmaceuticals about price gauging and taking advantage of this situation to hike prices on ppe and other related equipment

Answer: Well, I call on them to kindly modulate the prices of their commodities. Moreover, it is collective duty of the FG to ensure adequate price control. Finally, I call on Nigeria to improve on it’s pharmaceutical productions coz we solely depends on imported products hence the hike.

Add: They must be #God fearing, by selling as they bought. Buy cheap, sell cheap. Tendency to take advantage of prevailing misfortune to hike prices, is a manifestation of #Godless Business minds. Never will such Businesses receive #God’s blessings. By @BalaAbdullahiGa

 

25. Question: I think there are other types of Pneumonia that are caused by virus too. So, i can say that each type of microorganisms especially virus has different forms based on its species and this has to do with their medication. Answer; Pneumonia is a bacteria, covid-19 is a virus. They are two different things and so they require different vaccines. Pneumonia vaccine doesn’t provide any protection against covid-19. Forget about the symptoms!

Answer:

Yes, there is viral pneumonia. I centered my response to bacterial pneumonia simply coz it is the most common. Nevertheless, @WHO has not given any recommendation for the use of any vaccine for Covid 19. Thanks

 

26.  Question: one of the challenges people have is about not touching your face. During alwala, people have to touch their face and ears! What should be the proper message here?

Answer: Thank you. They are allowed to touch their eyes, nose in alwala only after they have reasonably washed their hands with running water and soap properly or after using an approved hand sanitizers which has at least 70% alcohol.  Do not touch except where necessary

 

27. Question: Gwamna Makinde na jihar Oyo ya ce amfani da Zuma da Habbatussauda ne suka taimaka masa wajen warkewa daga Coronavirus.

@UsmanRx @ICTAdvocates Me yasa Pharmacists baza su bada himma wajen sarrafa wadannan abubuwan don magance wannan cuta kowama ya huta a duniya ba?

Answer: Yallabai, wannan zance nashi zai iya zama gaskia ko ba gaskia ba. Lallai sai anshiga dakin binkice na kimiyya anyi nazari sosai za a gano gaskiar zancen. Amma a matsayin shi na gwamna yakamata su taimaka a inganta harkokin binkice na zamani da inganta sarrafa maganin gargajiya

 

28.  Question: what lesson do you think #COVID19 should teach developing countries like #Nigeria?

Answer: Covid-19 pandemic should serve as a wakeup call to Nigeria’s leaders to improve on healthcare delivery & financing, improve on biopharmaceutical dev. in addition to total overhaul of our general production lines and quality of education. Well, The Rich Also Cry!

 

29.  Question: What’s the best form of sensitising the masses on prevention, from your wealth of experience?

Answer: Media advocacy particularly the mass media such as Radio stations. Engage community stakeholders to talk to their indigenous people, they listen to them more than anyone else. FG & state govt must be serious this time

 

30. Question: what is your general recommendation as far stopping the spread of #COVID19 is concerned?

Answer: Shutting down population movement will not extinguish the virus epidemics. The answer depends what the government do while the lockdown is going on. I recommend the extension of the lockdown but government must be more serious and committed this time.

In addition, people must ensure adequate compliance of appropriate safety and preventive measures as contained in the @WHO guidelines. Take look at these pictures. Find attached https://twitter.com/UsmanRx/status/1247537151803142146

 

31.  Question: I missed your presentation on COVID-19, I still have a question to ask. Is using antibacterial disinfectants and hypo (bleach) among the proactive measures for prevention against COVID-19?

Answer: Yes, this is because it has been found that most registered & viable household disinfectants for surfaces (including bleach) will work provided appropriate concentration of the disinfectant + water is used. Recommend concentration is: 5 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.

 

32.  Question: is there any first aid for emergency to affected person? Than you

Answer: The only recommended first aid is to seek the attention of medical personnel. It is beyond first aid you can give at home, it is easy to get infected. Self-isolate and call the attention of medical experts

 

33. Question: Are children also at risk of infection and what is their potential role in transmission?

Answer: Yes children can be affected by the pandemic. However, in Nigeria we don’t have much of such cases due to the fact that adults are more exposed to risk factors than the children.

 

34. Question: Should we dispel of our apprehension that Covid-19 is one of numerous bio-weapons manufactured in a lab by the powers that be for global population control?

Answer: I don’t have reliable information to back your question. Sorry, I don’t have any answer for that.

Protect yourself first. Thank you

 

35.  Question: how effective is face mask in preventing people from #COVID19?

Answer: Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Regularly washing your hands offers more protection against #COVID19 than wearing face masks. Find attached   https://twitter.com/UsmanRx/status/1247528176953118724

 

36.  Question: Are children also at risk of infection and what is their potential role in transmission?

Answer: Yes, they are at risk. Fortunately, we don’t have such cases at the moment in Nigeria and this is because the relative exposure to high risk factors in children is low when compared to adults. Thank you

 

37.  Question: Can we wear our face mask?

Answer: Haha!!! Lol yes, you can. But ensure that your hands are being washed first before using it. Lemme share something with you as issued by @WHO find attached https://twitter.com/UsmanRx/status/1247544274733764608

 

A survey of the most strategic points of convergence in urban Kano has shown very minimal compliance with the ground rules against COVID-19. The survey by Kano based Centre for Information Technology and Development, (CITAD) shows that most strategic mosques, markets, streets and makeshift soccer pitches are in full swing. The borders are no less.

Mapping the spread as at March 30th, 2020 which is a long way off by now

Something for the attention of the NCDC which anchors the anti-COVID-19 mobilisation in Nigeria

The report in question is thus not just for Kano State Government but for all governments in Nigeria, the global health governance actors in Nigeria and the civil society. This is because it confirms the hidden, psychodynamic orientation among a large chunk of the populace that may steel some of them culturally against COVID-19 but could dangerously set the ground for mass deaths.

As part of its commitment to an informed citizenry as critical pillar in the fight against COVID 19, CITAD decided at this point to cross-check the level of compliance of Kano State citizens to the directives issued by the State Government following similar actions by the Federal and other state governments, especially after Nigeria recorded its first case of Corona Virus on February 27th, 2020 in Lagos State.

Kano State, it said, decided to close schools across the state from March 23^rd, 2020, asking all workers to stay at home for 14 days. It also closed its borders from mid night of Friday, March 27^th as well as issuing directives which strongly advised people to abide by social distancing and avoid congregational prayers, all social activities such as cinemas, clubs, joints and viewing centers were closed and ceremonial gatherings in the state were banned. The Federal and state governments in Nigeria have been criticised for, uncritically, embracing the lockdown approach, a criticism to which the Federal Government, at least, has responded with some attempt to review the lockdown practice.

But the big question has remained: to what extent are the Nigerian people observing the lockdown and some of the recommended practices such as social distancing, hand washing at regular intervals, use of sanitizers and so on? Even if the communities are too dense, some level of these practices can still be observed as the only way to avert what could be such a disaster.

In response to the challenge of informed citizenry, CITAD chose to undertake the assessment by visiting certain mosques, markets and streets within the metropolis.

CITAD used the following as its case study in this report signed by Ali Sabo, Communications Officer for it:

How much of a problem this still is remains to be systematically ascertained but it was the biggest part of the COVID-19 crisis in Nigeria. Whom or where do the ordinary Nigerians, especially those in the slums or “the voices from below” call to say they think they might be confronting Coronavirus? A Bauchi State governor could easily do that just as an Atiku Abubakar’s son or a Buhari’s daughter or an Abba Kyari could also easily do and even get invaluable publicity therefrom.  After all, for most politicians, Oscar Wilde has the last words when he said that there is no bad publicity but not being talked about at all.

But how does it work with the other half – those for whom access to the telephone lines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) would not be taken for granted? The initial report on this was a stunning story of illiberalism or closing the gate against the poor and powerless members of the society on a scale that MUST be considered a national security threat if we get out of understanding security only in terms of the military and secret police.

It is not that NCDC left no numbers or platforms by which it could be reached. It is that every of them led the caller to nowhere. For instance, anyone calling the 12 figure toll free line 080097000010 that was most widely circulated as at March 22^nd and 23^rd, 2020 was wasting his, her or their time. It endlessly murmured few instructions that appeared programmed on purpose to a dead end. The other numbers were no exceptions even as most were ringing and they include: 08052817243; 08033565529; 08059758886; 08028971814; 08023169485. There was another one, (08099555577) which was said to permit text messages and yet another one for those outside Nigeria, (+234-7087110839). New set of numbers are now available, especially as from March 25^th, 2020: 07087110839 for Whatsapp; 08099555577 for SMS and 07036708970 for calls. Does anyone pick them when someone who is not a governor or minister dials?
No one can be allowed to dismiss this concern if the experience of the Kano based Centre for Information Technology and Development, (CITAD) is anything to go by. CITAD is privileged here because it deployed field operatives to assess the response mechanism of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). It tells an equally interesting but disappointing dimension based on what its 15 field operatives brought back on how the NCDC was managing information request from Nigerians on the pandemic or Nigerians wanting to give information to the centre on the pandemic, particularly using the Twitter handle and it’s phone lines for SMS and WhatsApp. “None of the three platforms were serving Nigerians since their concerns/questions are either completely not responded to or in rare cases responses are received hours or days after one sends request”, said CITAD. Of the multiple requests the monitors sent to NCDC, using the two platforms and contact telephone numbers, the NCDC only responded to one and it came after seven hours. All other over forty-five (45) requests/questions/concerns raised by CITAD’s monitors were either ignored or found unworthy of a response. CITAD, therefore, concluded that it appears NCDC used it’s Twitter handle “only for giving statistics but not serious and prompt engagement with Nigerians on the pandemic”. Turning to morality, CITAD declares that to be bad and a setback for the crusade against the COVID-19.

As @ March 30th, 2020 except that, like it is in politics, a day is too long for Covid-19, especially with the outside apprehensive yesterday abd then hopeful today about Nigeria

 

 

 

 

But CITAD was not done yet. It tells the story of how the Kano State Committee on Infectious Disease handled a report from Kano State Hisbah Board. According to it, some people brought the dead body of a traveler who died on his way back from Abuja. Hisbah refused to take the body and decided to contact the Committee before taking any action on the corpse. Hisbah had to bury the dead.

It would require a more organised study to determine whether the stories from other parts of Nigeria are confirmatory of the above story but, even then, two issues are already jutting out for critical attention.

The first one is the biopolitical. Nigeria strives for modernity. It is not there yet but that is the aspirational claim. At least, that is what the political leaders proclaim. Whether they mean it is a different argument. If you ask the late Prof Claude Ake, he would say these people are the very anti-thesis of profound modernization. That is the message of his essay, “How Politics Underdevelops Africa”.

Ake or no Ake, modernity is what is proclaimed on roof tops. But modernity is organised around a definitive framework for managing free citizens. At the centre of that framework is the body – the human body. Interestingly, there is nothing more than the human body when we talk about containing COVID-19. It is the body that is infected; that has to take the drugs; that resists COVID-19 through immunity and/or genetic make-up. It is the body that is stopped from moving through lock down. It is the body that resists lock down; that survives it all or that dies. This is why critical scholars conceptualise security as emancipation rather than what boots on ground or secret police do, important in a different way as that is.

NCDC might have its own problems of managing extra pressure on it, aggravated by the fact that there is no precedence to learn from in managing a pandemic of COVID-19’s magnitude in recent history. Still, there is something fundamentally wrong if its system doesn’t reckon that it is illiberalism not to have powerful contacts with the mass of human bodies at this point in time because, as CITAD noted in its April 1^st, 2020 statement thereto, NCDC must understand that population of Nigerians on social media platforms is significant and engaging with them will strengthen efforts at preventing the virus”. This point will be more crucial in the two weeks ahead as the ‘window phase’ closes and the reality of a possible confrontation with larger number of infected persons cannot be ruled out.

The second and even more powerful point is what can shield NCDC against charges of corruption should a systematic appraisal uncover deliberate illiberalism? The most current and most widely used definition of corruption covers illiberalism. Of course, such an appraisal would have to go beyond NCDC given the numerous references and innuendoes to corruption in the narratives of COVID-19 in Nigeria, starting with CITAD’s empirically incontestable datum. If it would not be NCDC alone, then there is a case for something like “Amplifying Popular Narratives of COVID-19 in Nigeria With Particular Reference to Corruption”. That would tie together the points of convergence and divergence in the conversation that has so far been limited to CITAD and the NCDC but which could soon become an all-involving but a belated conversation should, God forbid, the management of COVID go awry.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”7″ gal_title=”COVID-19 Infographs”]

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”5″ gal_title=”CITAD Against COVID-19 Gallery”]

As part of its contribution to the reduction in the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with CITAD donated protection materials to Communities around FCT to assist them inculcate the practice of good hygiene among dwellers.

The distributed items include Public Address System, 16 banners and posters, hand sanitisers, hand gloves and face masks in large quantities.

Country Director of ActionAid, Nigeria, Ene Obi, said the orgainisation is already working with CITAD and other Community facilitators in four Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory that include; Abuja Municipal, Kuje, Bwari and Kwali on the need for personal hygiene.

Obi explained that the essence of the sensitisation exercise is to sensitise FCT communities on COVID 19 as well as to educate communities facilitators across FCT of the importance of personal hygiene and the dangers of the pandemic and the need to take communal and individual precautionary measures to stay safe.

She further said; “Our focus of intervention is on prevention and control of the spread of covid-19 in communities and to help them stay home and stay safe.”

“The protection materials and other items donated can be used to prevent infection and stop spread of the COVID-19.

“For easy understanding, AAN and CITAD have also developed messages on how to stay safe from the Corona virus.

“The Messages were produced in English and translated into various local languages (Hausa and Gbagyi) for easy comprehension for the communities in FCT.”

The Local Rights Programme Advisor for Actionaid Nigeria, Hajara Adamu-Opaluwa, said the megaphones/public address systems and few demonstrations on the use of sanitisers, Behavioral Change and Communication materials with messages on COVID-19 were distributed to communities to help curb the spread of the virus

She said that for effectiveness, a WhatsApp group has been created to help community facilitators share update on the situation of Coronavirus in their respective communities.

Adamu-Opaluwa further said that discussion is ongoing with other 11 LRP partners across 11 states and other AAN projects in the country to adopt and replicate thie approach in their respective communities where AAN is implementing the LRP intervention.

According to her; “AAN has also set up a 9-member Committee on COVID-19 drawing up a strategy on sourcing for funds and seeking innovative ways of working in the environment.

“AAN will fashion a way to work with other target groups especially (the poor and the most vulnerable – women, children, young people and people with disability.”

Also speaking, the Programme Officer of CITAD, Salmat Abdulwaheed, said that it is very important to sensitise local communities about the new COVID-19, saying that many of the people out there are not aware of the existence of the dangerous virus.

Abdulwaheed said while some are aware of the disease, they do not believe the extent of the threat and danger it portend to their existence and the necessary precautions or measures to prevent the infection and spread.

Communities benefitting from this intervention programme include; Dakwa, Tungar Ashere, Tungar Nasara, Gwalada, Gofidna and Jiwa Tsoho in AMAC, Pasepa and Kuchi Buiyi in Bwari, Gaube, Kayace and Tukpeki in Kuje as well as Leleyi Bassa, Kilankwa and Leleyi Gwari in Kwali Area council.

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN)’s Local Rights Programme partners with Centre for Information technology and development (CITAD) to fight against COVID 19 in FCT communities.
This action started midweek of March 2020 through working with CITAD and Community facilitators in the 4 Area Councils of Abuja Municipal, Kuje, Bwari and Kwali.  AAN and CITAD developed messages on how to stay safe from the Corona virus.  Messages were produced in English and translated into local languages (Hausa and Gbagyi) for easy comprehension by the communities where AAN work.
We distributed megaphones/public address systems and few demonstrations on the use of sanitizers.
Behavioral Change and Communication materials with messages on COVID 19 were also distributed to community members.

Community facilitators placed posters with messages in strategic places in the communities.

At the moment the focus of the intervention is to prevent and control the spread of covid-19 in communities where we work.
Communities benefitting include Dakwa, Tungar Ashere, Tungar Nasara, Gwalada, Jiwa, Gofidna and Jiwa Tsoho in AMAC, Pasepa and Kuchi Buiyi in Bwari, Gaube, Kayace and Tukpeki in Kuje while Leleyi Bassa, Kilankwa and Leleyi Gwari and Pai in Kwali Area council

In addition, a WhatsApp group have been created where community facilitators will be sharing update on the situation of Coronavirus in their respective communities.

The Centre for Information  Technology And Development (CITAD) and  Actionaid Nigeria(AAN), have  trained and educated community facilitators in communities in the Federal Capital Territory, on COVID-19 as part of measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic which has killed two persons in Nigeria, leaving over 170 others infected.

The non- profit organisations working in Nigeria and other parts of the country to Improve the living condition of the less privileged, also provided protection materials for the vulnerable communities  to fight the epidemic.

 

Behavioral Change and Communication materials with messages on COVID 19 were distributed to the community facilitators who were trained to help enlighten and educate other members of the communities about the virus.

Actionaid is an international  non-profit governmental organization that works with communities to reduce poverty, promote human rights and justice worldwide.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on the other hand, is committed to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development and promotion of good governance.

Since the outbreak of the virus in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread to other countries, with global cases now surpassing 750,000 and global death toll rising to  over 36,000.

The donated  items which consisted of Public Address  Systems, hand sanitizers, hand gloves, face mask, posters and banners, were handed  to 12 local communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari and Kuje area councils in the FCT to curtail spread of the virus.
The beneficiary communities, Dakwa, Gwalada, Gofidna, Jiwa Tsoho, Tungan Ashere, Tungan Nasara, Leleyi Gwari, Kilankwa and Leleyi Basaa, Gauge and Kayache and Pasepa, each received a public address system and large quantities of the  other items for  prevention against the coronavirus.
Community facilitators in the respective communities were educated on the COVID-19, how it can be transmitted and measures for it’s prevention and spread, to help sensitize other members of the communities.
Behavioral Change and Communication materials with messages on COVID 19 were also distributed to community members.
Receiving the items donated on behalf of the communities, the village chiefs appreciated the kind gesture and applauded all the programmes  being implemented in their cimmunuties by CITAD and Actionaid Nigeria to make live better for the communities.
This intervention, as the  Actionaid Nigeria’s Country Director, Ene Obi noted yesterday while briefing on efforts made so far by the nonprofit organization towards combating the virus, focused on prevention and control of the spread of covid-19 in communities where Actionaid Nigeria has been offering humanitarian services.
She explained that  ActionAid Nigeria ’s response has been under its Local Rights Programme which started midweek of March 2020 through working with CITAD and Community facilitators in the 4 Area Councils of Abuja Municipal, Kuje, Bwari and Kwali.

She noted that AAN and CITAD developed messages on how to stay safe from the Corona virus which  were produced in English and translated into local languages (Hausa and Gbagyi) for easy comprehension by the communities where AAN work.

“We have distributed megaphones/public address systems and few demonstrations on the use of sanitizers.  Behavioral Change and Communication materials with messages on COVID 19 were distributed to community members.  Community facilitators placed posters with messages in strategic places in the communities.”

“At the moment focus of the intervention is on prevention and control of the spread of covid-19 in communities where we work. Communities benefitting include Dakwa, Tungar Ashere, Tungar Nasara, Gwalada, Gofidna and Jiwa Tsoho in AMAC, Pasepa and Kuchi Buiyi in Bwari, Gaube, Kayace and Tukpeki in Kuje while Leleyi Bassa, Kilankwa and Leleyi Gwari in Kwali Area council

“In addition, a WhatsApp group have been created where community facilitators will be sharing update on the situation of Coronavirus in their respective communities’” she stated.

The AAN  Country Director disclosed that the organization has opened  discussion  with other 11 LRP Partners across 11 states and other AAN projects in the country to “adopt and replicate this approach in their respective communities where AAN is implementing the LRP intervention.”

According to her, an undisclosed amount of strategic funds have also been released from AAN to different projects partners in different states “especially on how it will affect women from our Women’s Rights Unit.”
We are proposing many other ways of working in different states as AAN has set up a 9-member Committee on COVID-19 drawing up a strategy now on sourcing for funds and seeking innovative ways of working in the environment. AAN will fashion a way to work with our target groups especially (the poor and the most vulnerable – women, children, young people and people with disability). More plans will unfold in the next week,” she further hinted.

Meanwhile, the Local Rights Programme Advisor for  Actionaid Nigeria, Hajara Adamu-Opaluwa, who represented  Actionaid Nigeria at the event, educated  the  community facilitators across the 14 communities in FCT of which the above listed communities are inclusive, about the dangers of COVID-19  and the need  to take communal and individual precautionary measures to stay safe.

She explained to them, how the protection materials and other items donated can be used to prevent infection and spread of the COVID-19.

Earlier,  CITAD Programme Officer,  Salmat Abdulwaheed, noted that it is very important to sensitize local communities about  the new COVID-19 as many of them are not even aware of the existence of the dangerous virus.

She said while some are aware of the disease, they do not believe the extent of the threat and danger it potend to their existence and the necessary precautions or measures to prevent the infection and spread.

“We are here today on a sensitization campaign and to distribute these gift items  because it is very important for these people  who mostly, do not have acess to television and other means of communication to know what is going on presently around the globe like their counterparts in the urban areas.

“We are working together with stakeholders in these community, the Chiefs and community facilitators to ensure these communities are sentized about COVID-19 to receive all the necessary information in order to minimize the spread of the virus among members of the communities who are very vulnerable. “

“We also  want to inculcate  the practice of good hygiene among the community dwellers for their general well being,” said  Abdulwaheed.

She said with the support of Actionaid Nigeria, the facilitator from the communities were trained and educated about COVID-19 to help sensitize other members of the communities and distribute the protection materials to them.

“We ensure that we provide them with information that will keep them updated and alert  so that they can relay the information to the communities,” she emphasized.

As part of their contribution towards prevention and spread of the Coronavirus pandemic which has killed two persons in Nigeria, leaving over 170 others infected, the Centre for Information  Technology And Development (CITAD) and  Actionaid Nigeria(AAN), have collaborated to train community facilitators and provided protection materials for vulnerable communities  in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), to fight the epidemic.

Behavioral Change and Communication materials with messages on COVID 19 were also distributed to representatives of the communities.

Actionaid is an international  non-profit governmental organization that works with communities to reduce poverty, promote human rights and justice worldwide.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on the other hand, is committed to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development and promotion of good governance.

Since the outbreak of the virus in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread to other countries, with global cases now surpassing 750,000 and global death toll rising to  over 36,000.

The donated  items which consisted of Public Address  Systems, hand sanitizers, hand gloves, face mask, posters and banners, were handed  to 12 local communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari and Kuje area councils in the FCT to curtail spread of the virus.

Fred from Actionaid Nigeria presenting a Public Address System to the village chief at Leleyi Gwari community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT on Monday, in Abuja.

The beneficiary communities, Dakwa, Gwalada, Gofidna, Jiwa Tsoho, Tungan Ashere, Tungan Nasara, Leleyi Gwari, Kilankwa and Leleyi Basaa, Gauge and Kayache and Pasepa, each received a public address system and large quantities of the  other items for  prevention against the coronavirus.

At Leleyi Gwari community in Kwali Area Council, Fred explains to some members of the community how to use the materials distributed.

Community facilitators in the respective communities were educated on the COVID-19, how it can be transmitted and measures for it’s prevention and spread, to help sensitize other members of the communities.

Actionaid Nigeria Local Rights Programme Advisor, Hajara Adamu-Opaluwa explaining how to use the materials distributed to some members of the Dakwa community.

Behavioral Change and Communication materials with messages on COVID 19 were also distributed to community members.

Hajara Adamu-Opaluwa distributing posters and banners to one of the community facilitators.

Receiving the items donated on behalf of the communities, the village chiefs appreciated the kind gesture and applauded all the programmes  being implemented in their cimmunuties by CITAD and Actionaid Nigeria to make live better for the communities.

The chief of Dakwa community receives some of the items distributed.

This intervention, as the  Actionaid Nigeria’s Country Director, Ene Obi noted yesterday while briefing on efforts made so far by the nonprofit organization towards combating the virus, focused on prevention and control of the spread of covid-19 in communities where Actionaid Nigeria has been offering humanitarian services.

She explained that  ActionAid Nigeria ’s response has been under its Local Rights Programme which started midweek of March 2020 through working with CITAD and Community facilitators in the 4 Area Councils of Abuja Municipal, Kuje, Bwari and Kwali.

She noted that AAN and CITAD developed messages on how to stay safe from the Corona virus which  were produced in English and translated into local languages (Hausa and Gbagyi) for easy comprehension by the communities where AAN work.

“We have distributed megaphones/public address systems and few demonstrations on the use of sanitizers.  Behavioral Change and Communication materials with messages on COVID 19 were distributed to community members.  Community facilitators placed posters with messages in strategic places in the communities.”

“At the moment focus of the intervention is on prevention and control of the spread of covid-19 in communities where we work. Communities benefitting include Dakwa, Tungar Ashere, Tungar Nasara, Gwalada, Gofidna and Jiwa Tsoho in AMAC, Pasepa and Kuchi Buiyi in Bwari, Gaube, Kayace and Tukpeki in Kuje while Leleyi Bassa, Kilankwa and Leleyi Gwari in Kwali Area council

“In addition, a WhatsApp group have been created where community facilitators will be sharing update on the situation of Coronavirus in their respective communities’” she stated.

The AAN  Country Director disclosed that the organization has opened  discussion  with other 11 LRP Partners across 11 states and other AAN projects in the country to “adopt and replicate this approach in their respective communities where AAN is implementing the LRP intervention.”

According to her, an undisclosed amount of strategic funds have also been released from AAN to different projects partners in different states “especially on how it will affect women from our Women’s Rights Unit.”
We are proposing many other ways of working in different states as AAN has set up a 9-member Committee on COVID-19 drawing up a strategy now on sourcing for funds and seeking innovative ways of working in the environment. AAN will fashion a way to work with our target groups especially (the poor and the most vulnerable – women, children, young people and people with disability). More plans will unfold in the next week,” she further hinted.

Meanwhile, the Local Rights Programme Advisor for  Actionaid Nigeria, Hajara Adamu-Opaluwa, who represented  Actionaid Nigeria at the event, educated  the  community facilitators across the 14 communities in FCT of which the above listed communities are inclusive, about the dangers of COVID-19  and the need  to take communal and individual precautionary measures to stay safe.

She explained to them, how the protection materials and other items donated can be used to prevent infection and spread of the COVID-19.

Earlier,  CITAD Programme Officer,  Salmat Abdulwaheed, noted that it is very important to sensitize local communities about  the new COVID-19 as many of them are not even aware of the existence of the dangerous virus.

She said while some are aware of the disease, they do not believe the extent of the threat and danger it potend to their existence and the necessary precautions or measures to prevent the infection and spread.

“We are here today on a sensitization campaign and to distribute these gift items  because it is very important for these people  who mostly, do not have acess to television and other means of communication to know what is going on presently around the globe like their counterparts in the urban areas.

“We are working together with stakeholders in these community, the Chiefs and community facilitators to ensure these communities are sentized about COVID-19 to receive all the necessary information in order to minimize the spread of the virus among members of the communities who are very vulnerable. “

“We also  want to inculcate  the practice of good hygiene among the community dwellers for their general well being,” said  Abdulwaheed.

She said with the support of Actionaid Nigeria, the facilitator from the communities were trained and educated about COVID-19 to help sensitize other members of the communities and distribute the protection materials to them.

“We ensure that we provide them with information that will keep them updated and alert  so that they can relay the information to the communities,” she emphasized.

It is apparent that measures capable of preventing further spread and containing the pandemic COVID-19 in the country are put in place. This is obvious taking into cognizance how “stay at home order” was imposed on some cities. And it is commendable how development partners, civil society organization, institutions, etc are all contributing to the Prevent the Virus Campaign in their various ways, means and capacities.

But, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) after deploying 15 monitors to assess the response mechanism of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for two days is highly concerned by the manner in which the centre manages information request from Nigerians on the pandemic or Nigerians wanting to give information to the centre on the pandemic particularly using the Twitter handle of the centre and it’s phone lines for SMS and WhatsApp. The three mediums are not serving Nigerians since their concerns/questions are either completely not responded to or in rare cases responses are received hours or days after one sends request. Of the multiple requests our monitors sent to the centre using the three mediums, the centre only responded to one after seven hours, all other over forty-five (45) requests/questions/concerns raised by our monitors were ignored. It appeared that NCDC uses it’s Twitter handle only for giving statistics but not serious and prompt engagement with Nigerians on the pandemic, this is bad and will be a setback for the crusade against the COVID-19.

A similar disturbing experience is the manner in which the Kano State Committee on Infectious Disease handled a report from Kano State Hisbah Board, some people brought a dead body of a traveler who died on his way back from Abuja. Hisbah proactively refused to take the body and decided to contact the committee before taking any action on the corpse, but the committee has not responded despite being reminded for the period of more than five hours. After waiting for many hours and the committee could not show up for their examine the corpse, the deceased was buried.

Recommendations

1. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) should be responsive to questions/concerns/tip-ups from Nigerians particularly at this time of National emergency.
2. NCDC should avoid either ignoring or delaying questions and concerns of Nigerians on the COVID-19
3. NCDC must understand that population of Nigerians on social media platforms is significant and engaging with them will strengthen efforts at preventing the virus.

Signed:
Kamilu Isah Ahmad
Social Media/Campaigns Officer,
Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).

Since the outbreak of Corovirus in December 2019 in China, thousands of people are being dying with number of cases rising every day. As of yesterday the 29th of March, 2020 the number of cases in the world stands at 704,095 with 33,509 death recorded all over the world with Italy being with highest number of death cases followed by Spain. Even in the most developed countries in the world, the likes of the United States of America United Kingdom, French, Germany etc. hospitals and health worker are over stretched due to the number of cases that are increasing every day.