The Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Professor Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo recently gave a presentation on the topic, ‘COVID-19; Myths, Realities and the Way Forward’, at a webinar organized by the Alumni Association of the National Institute (Lagos chapter).
Moderated by Major General Shina Ogunbiyi, the webinar saw various medical professionals airing their views on COVID-19 and its attendant issues. The Major noted that the essence of the session was to encourage effective knowledge and behaviour in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
Professor Fabamwo starting with the realities of COVID-19. He gave a detailed statistical analysis on the global and local rate of the spread of the virus. He highlighted the realities of the symptoms, manifestation, severity and management.
He also mentioned how the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Presidential Task Force (PTF) and other National Health bodies are setting agenda and strategies on making early detections, managing symptoms and curbing the spread of the virus.
He noted during his talk that, the various arms that make up the nation should become responsible for themselves and contribute their quota in ensuring they curb the spread of the virus in their own capacity. He went on to debunked several myths regarding the realities that truly prevails.
The CMD conclusively harped on the need for continuous research funding, enforcement of restrictions by Government, international collaborations, information sharing as the way forward for global progress.
Other panellists present include Dr Zainab Muhammed Idris, a Consultant, Infectious Disease and Member, IEC Kaduna, talked about the fears of women and myths following the COVID-19 pandemic period alongside the effects it has on women.
Linking the pandemic with the spate of rape allegations making the news, she addressed the issue and noted that sexual violence victims that have survived the experience may never forget the incident and this can lead to lifetime insecurities and stigma.
Also Dr. Olusegun Akinniranye, Consultant, Intensive Care Medicine and Anesthetist, Lagoon Hospital, Ikeja, also talked about realities and the way prices of essentials have gone up during the lockdown.
He noted that the populace, in general, has taken advantage of the upscale of demand due to the pandemic. He cited the high price of ventilators as a vivid example. Opposed to this trend, he opined that “we are first of all humans and we should not take advantage of the pandemic period by inflating prices which can affect people who need these basic things.”
The Chairman AAN, Lagos Chapter, Barrister Rotimi Edu in his presentation, focused on the way forward as he preached on the guidelines the government has laid down.
He noted that people in rural communities are not all complying to the guidelines based on the ignorance of some and lack of education or information on the part of others. Based on these, Barr. Edu concluded that there should be widespread sensitization through media platforms, influencers, community leaders and opinion formers.
The former Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar (rtd) mni, AANI President, rounded off the session by giving a closing remark as he noted that continuous education and sensitization regarding this topic cannot be overemphasized.
