‘From four to 120 labs’ — PTF lists Nigeria’s successes in COVID-19 response

The presidential task force on COVID-19 has listed Nigeria’s successes in responding to the pandemic, including the setting up of 120 molecular laboratories.

Mukhtar Muhammad, PTF national incident manager, said the number of laboratories in the country rose from four to 120 within one year of the pandemic.

Speaking at the task force briefing in Abuja on Monday, Muhammad added that the country was also able to set up 125 new accredited isolation centres.

After Nigeria confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus on February 27, 2020, the country adopted a multi-sector approach in its response, which involved both the private and public sectors.

One year down the line, Muhammad said the government was also able to train thousands of health workers, while millions of personal protective gears, among other supplies, were distributed to frontline responders.

“Mr President has demonstrated the highest commitment by availing the whole of government to steer the affairs of COVID-19 response,” he said.

“We have taken the right decisions early — stopping international flights and cessation of movement. PTF mobilised resources for the response from the government, private sector and the donor community.”

The national incident manager said the PTF learnt that the central coordination of the response is very critical to continue to galvanise multisectoral support.

He added that although there is a large pool of human resources, “the health system is weak and fragile (while there is) heavy dependence” on the federal government.