Intrigues and Challenges Associated with COVID 19 Pandemic in Nigeria
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic has emerged as a global health crisis, with 3,855,788 infected persons and 256,862 deaths worldwide as of May 9, 2020. In Nigeria, the first case of the pandemic was reported by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control on February 27, 2020. Between the dates when the index case was reported and May 9, 2020, the nation has recorded a total of 4151 confirmed COVID 19 cases from 25,951 samples screened and 745 (18% cases discharged with 128 deaths indicating a case fatality rate of 3.1% Thirty four (34) States and the Federal Capital Territory have recorded coronavirus disease. The most affected States in Nigeria is Lagos (epicentre of COVID 19) with 1764 cases, followed by 576 cases in Kano states and only one COVID 19 case in Anambra State 42 days since the last report of index case. Demographically, a total of 2828 male subjects have been infected representing 68% and 1323 female subjects representing 32% The age group 31 40 years is mostly affected accounting for 24% The number of people with travel history is 210 (5% 947 (23% contacts, 2618 (63% without epidemiological link and 376 (9% with an incomplete information. Nigeria is currently witnessing community transmission of COVID 19. Some observed issues aiding community transmission of COVID 19 in Nigeria are: the distrust of some Nigeria citizens towards government on COVID 19 management, poverty, religious beliefs, ignorance on face mask sharing, low level of informed populace, misconceptions, stigmatization of infected individuals, poor health facilities, inadequate testing Centre, shortage of health workers, poor treatment among others. Effective people's health preventive behaviour and community based health policy and strategies to mitigate these challenges are therein suggested.