NMA condemns non-adherence to COVID-19 prevention protocols

*The Nigerian Medical Association advocates strict adherence to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control protocols of use of nose masks, regular handwashing, use of sanitisers and physical distancing as the Yuletide season approaches

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

As the reality of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is apparent in the country, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decried the flagrant disregard for the non-pharmaceutical prevention protocols by most citizens.

The medical association Monday, December 14 noted that adherence to Coronavirus prevention guidelines remains a sure way to interrupt COVID-19 transmission in the country.

Prof. Innocent Uja, President of the NMA, in a statement disclosed this following the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Anambra State.

Uja said: “The Council notes that the commencement of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst the flagrant disregard for the non-pharmaceutical prevention protocols and waning efforts at containment of the scourge.

While further noting the current concerns for vaccine access internationally, such serious conversations have yet to be intensified in Nigeria.

“Therefore, serious efforts to prioritise health including supplementary appropriation/ budgetary provision should be initiated by the government at all levels and the private sector coalitions to ensure the procurement and availability of consumables for effective response in the containment of COVID-19, especially with the upsurge of the infection.

The NMA also advocated strict adherence to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s (NCDC) protocol of use of nose masks, regular handwashing, use of sanitisers and physical distancing, especially as Yuletide season fast approaches.

In view of serious conversations regarding vaccines procurement is yet to be intensified in the country, it urged the government to procure vaccines that have been reported to be effective, for the purpose of research and domestication for the Nigerian populace.

The Association as well urged the Government to procure the vaccines that have been reported to be effective for a further research study on Nigerians to confirm their efficacy and safety for the Nigerian populace.

“We passionately appeal to all Nigerians to take the COVID-19 prevention advisories very seriously in order to interrupt the transmission reduce ill-health and deaths from the dreaded disease,” stated the NMA President.