Dr Solomon Chollom, a Jos-based Virologist, has advised the Federal Government to use the expertise of health professionals in creating and implementing policies to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chollom made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.
He said that as the country and world battle the pandemic in the face of an anticipated second wave, there was need for government to do thorough evaluation of the national response.
According to him, this is to identify areas of strength to consolidate on and areas of weakness to strengthen.
“Special attention must be given to compliance with safety advisories and enforcement efforts must be seen to be led by political, religious and community leaders.
“It is also essential to give attention to efforts to provide vaccines against the virus as this remains one sure way of beating the pandemic.
“The scientific community has set a new standard for vaccine development. Now, Nigeria must set a standard for access and fair distribution to all citizens,” he said.
He said that the knowledge, attitude and practices Nigerians have toward the pandemic could play a major role in the way they accept measures put in place to curb its spread.
Also of major role is their willingness to seek and adhere to care.
Chollom noted that the continuous increase in the number of cases and the overall good knowledge, attitude and practices warranted further investigation to assess the effectiveness of the measures put in place to curb the virus spread.
“Sensitisation is paramount to preclude negative health-seeking behaviours and encourage positive preventive and therapeutic practices, for fear of an increase in mortality,” he said.
The health expert, however, said that community-based health campaigns were necessary to hold optimistic attitude and practice appropriate intervention measures devoid of misconceptions.
He also added that there was need for the government to ensure that the welfare of health professionals and provision of right working environment were in place.
According to the virologist, this will enhance productivity in responding to the pandemic. (NAN)
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