TITLE:
Intrigues and Challenges Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Kabiru Olusegun Akinyemi, Christopher Oladimeji Fakorede, A. Abdul Azeez Anjorin, Rebecca Omotoyosi Abegunrin, Olabisi Adunmo, Samuel Oluwasegun Ajoseh, Funmilayo Monisola Akinkunmi
KEYWORDS:
Coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Challenges, Health, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.12 No.8,
August
17,
2020
ABSTRACT: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as a global health crisis, with 3,855,788 infected persons and 256,862 deaths worldwide as of May 9, 2020. In Nigeria, the first case of the pandemic was reported by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control on February 27, 2020. Between the dates when the index case was reported and May 9, 2020, the nation has recorded a total of 4151 confirmed COVID-19 cases from 25,951 samples screened and 745 (18%) cases discharged with 128 deaths indicating a case fatality rate of 3.1%. Thirty-four (34) States and the Federal Capital Territory have recorded coronavirus disease. The most affected States in Nigeria is Lagos (epicentre of COVID-19) with 1764 cases, followed by 576 cases in Kano states and only one COVID-19 case in Anambra State 42 days since the last report of index case. Demographically, a total of 2828 male subjects have been infected representing 68% and 1323 female subjects representing 32%. The age group 31 - 40 years is mostly affected accounting for 24%. The number of people with travel history is 210 (5%), 947 (23%) contacts, 2618 (63%) without epidemiological link and 376 (9%) with an incomplete information. Nigeria is currently witnessing community transmission of COVID-19. Some observed issues aiding community transmission of COVID-19 in Nigeria are: the distrust of some Nigeria citizens towards government on COVID-19 management, poverty, religious beliefs, ignorance on face mask sharing, low level of informed populace, misconceptions, stigmatization of infected individuals, poor health facilities, inadequate testing Centre, shortage of health workers, poor treatment among others. Effective people’s health preventive behaviour and community-based health policy and strategies to mitigate these challenges are therein suggested.