Why Nigeria must avoid second wave of COVID-19 ― Expert

Infectious disease expert and President, Sugar and Cholesterol Control Foundation SACCOF), Dr Ademola Adesoye, has stressed the need for Nigeria to do everything possible to avoid a resurgence of COVID 19 pandemic, insisting that a second wave of the deadly disease could have more devastating effects on the country.

Adesoye, in an exclusive interview with Tribune Online in his office, in Lagos, on Wednesday, stated that it had become imperative for government and the relevant health authorities in the country to ensure Nigerians adhere strictly to COVID 19 protocols, as recommended by health authorities so as avert a resurgence of the virus, and a possible lockdown this might induce.

The newly-elected District Governor of the International Association of Lions Club, District 404B2 Nigeria, stated that though the curve of the spread seemed to be gradually flattening in Nigeria, he, however, insisted that it would be foolhardy to assume that the pandemic had been conquered.

“One thing with all these viruses is that after some time, everything looks calm. It looks as if it has been curtailed. But what is being experienced is the suppression of the virus. And it may come out more devastating than the previous experience if a second wave is allowed to happen.

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“What we must know is that COVID-19 is real, and it is still very much with us, that is why we must do everything humanly possible to check its spread among us. And one of those measures we can adopt is to ensure that all those protocols, aimed at preventing the spread of disease are strictly observed,” he stated.

While commending government and the nation’s health authorities, especially those at the frontlines of the fight against the disease, for their efforts in curtailing its spread, the infectious disease expert, however, described the politicisation of COVID19 in the country; as a factor that had not helped the fight against the disease.

He also called on the Federal Government to incentivise the nation’s health workers, so as to put them in the right frame of mind to fight the disease.

“I’ve contacted different viruses in the course of duty, and I know how it is. The fact remains that no matter how cautious you are, as a health worker, you still stand the risk of being infected, since you deal with those that have the virus directly. That is why health workers must always be encouraged,” he argued.

Adesoye also expressed the hope that the change in government in the United States could assist the world in the fight against the pandemic; since the incoming government in the country, seemed to be favourably disposed to the fight against the spread of the deadly disease.