NIGERIA NEEDS TO CHANGE ITS STRATEGIES FOR FIGHTING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
By Pharm. Ibrahim Yahaya
ibropharm@gmail.com
Looking at the trend of confirmed cases as at 1st May 2020 (2,170) and the total number of tests caried out (16, 588), we can simply suggest that Nigeria has an infection rate of about 13% for those tested. We can equally suggest that if more Nigerians will be tested the rate may remain similar especially considering exponential increased from 1st March (1case), 1st April (174 cases) and 1st May (2,170 cases), and if we are not careful to flatten the curve or achieve plateau, by 1st June we may be reporting 27,125 (using 1, 174, 2170, 27125... sequence). This is enough reason why we should change our strategies.
My advice as follows :
1. President and commander in chief:
a) I want you to reconsider your formation of presidential task force (PTF) on covid 19 to include researchers, scientists, clinicians, Pharma industries, phytomedicine and traditional medicine experts to develop our local remedy for corona virus
b) the President should have independent audit and advisers separate from the PTF as some of their actions may be misleading especially their composition. The Chairman having reported not to be aware of the state of our health facilities while health minister not aware of paid hazard allowance under his ministry.
2.PTF/NCDC
a) what was the state of readiness when you told president and Nigerians in February 2020, that we were ready to contain covid-19, and what is our current state now?
b) NCDC situation report on 1st April 2020 reported 174 confirmed cases and scaled up daily testing of 1500. By 1st of May we should be expecting 45,000 tests plus previously tested before April. But as at 1st May only 16,588 were tested from the beginning. I think NCDC need to clarify and tell Nigerians the truth about our situation.
c). 351 covid patients recovered at 1st May, and we have been managing the disease in the country for at least 2 months,
Was there any protocol established for treatment in our country?
Was there any Clinical trials on the medicines used?
Were there scientist, clinicians, pharmacists, toxicologist and other stakeholders involve in the clinical trials?

d) were there any mobilization of indigenous researchers, scientists, clinicians, phyotomedicines, traditional medicines, NIPRD, Alternative medicine, pharmaceutical industries etc to research and develop a cure and vaccine to covid -19?
E) Do we have to wait for cure and vaccines from foreign countries? To be used as guinea pigs and in return for donations from them?
3). Researcher, Clinicians, Scientists, phytomedicines and herbal/traditional medicines experts:
I am overwhelmed by some of our scientists for developing local ventilators, sanitizers etc. It is time to show case our expertise in salvaging our country (the giant of Africa). It is time to go back to our laboratories to develop both cure and vaccines, and even test kits, from both orthodox and traditional medicines.
Our hospitals and isolation centers are getting overwhelmed and we may not be abled to admit every one with covid in a near future, and as such we need to develop our local remedies that can be used at home or a protocol of treatment that can be self administered.
It is time to incorporate our traditional, herbal and alternative medicine for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Our traditional medicines experts and herbalist should be encouraged and their patency protected.
4) the covid 19 and the way it attacks
preliminary report shows that the virus attacks hemoglobin and causes its break down, separating irons from blood cells and there by depriving its oxygen carrying capacity and causes shortness of breath, disseminated intravascular coagulation while the lungs in a feed back mechanism releases cytokines which further attack the respiratory system. Some of the medicines used to prevent the lysis of hemoglobin have been shown to be beneficial like some antimalarials. We have so many traditional antimalarials in the country and it is time we should use some in clinical trials.
In Conclusion :
It is time to change our strategies
It is time to tell Nigerians the truth
It is time to mobilize our local researchers to develop cure and vaccines.
This is my opinion and suggestions, critisim, comment and advice can reach me through my email above.
Thank you
Long live Nigeria

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