Dr Tunji Akintade, former Chairman, Association of Nigeria Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), has appealed to both the federal and state governments to improve surveillance and testing against COVID-19 infection.
Akintade made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
According to him, enhancing testing and surveillance is critical, amid the daily increase of the disease, poor adherence to preventive measures and suboptimal vaccination uptake in the country.
He added that the reintroduction of compliance to non-pharmaceutical measures in hospitals, schools and organisations should also be emphasised to flatten the rising Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
The former chairman further stated that efforts should be intensified to improve the number of Nigerians vaccinated against the disease, to quickly achieve herd immunity.
“Many Nigerians have relaxed their guard, thinking that the virus is over. Now, more than ever, we need to intensify awareness and also warn the populace, because the virus keeps mutating.
“Electioneering is on-going in the country and it will increase in tempo, in the next few months. Political parties should initiate measures to ensure safe gathering of people,” he said.
Akintade stressed that frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water remained one of the best ways, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
He, therefore, urged the governments to expedite actions to improve access to clean and safe water in homes, hospitals and public places to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
NAN reports that data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that 260,339 confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported in the country, with Lagos State having the highest infection figures. (NAN)