COVID-19: Nigeria Gets $8m Medical Supplies From ECOWAS, WAHO

The federal government on Saturday announced that it received donation of medical supplies worth $8 million from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) to boost Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19.

Chairman of Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and secretary to the government, Boss Mustapha, made the announcement in Abuja.

The supplies, among which include two ventilators, were handed over to the taskforce on Saturday by the regional sociopolitical economic group.

Mustapha noted it was only with such strategic partnership that the world could fight COVID-19.

He charged ECOWAS member states to to display unflinching commitment to the pandemic which he said has been destructive not just for the African continent but for the world.

Mustapha, who was represented by Olusegun Adekunle, permanent secretary (general services) at the SGF office, said people’s indifference and laid-back attitude towards coronavirus contributed significantly to its spread.

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He listed three major things people do that cause the virus to continue to spread: “They are my colleague so I can speak without the mask. They are my close friends so I can speak without the mask. They are my relations so I can speak without the mask.

“Don’t do the above three mistakes … save yourself and others.”

He added that the items donated to Nigeria will go a long way in the country’s response to the pandemic, adding that the equipment are in scarce supply globally.

“The donation is gratifying because hundreds of medical personnel have been infected perhaps due to lack of kits. It will be used judiciously and it will be accounted for. We received this items with thanks,” he said.

Stanley Okolo, director-general of WAHO, said all the goods handed over were procured with the grant provided by the German government.

Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, spoke of how the donated items will help health workers: “Our health workers are toiling assiduously to treat COVID-19 patients, provide emergency care, while not losing sight of routine and essential health services.

“They all need our support and encouragement and I believe that the provision of these test kits and personal protective equipment will generate even more peace of mind to facilitate their work.”