#Ebolaalert: In Support and Appreciation of the Nigerian Healthcare Workers.
NB:This article first appeared on http://urnaijandyou.blogspot.com/.
#Ebolaalert #ThankUNigEbolaHealthWorkers
The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Nigeria brought with it, tension and
fear which eventually led to a high level of panic evident in the midnight salt
bath that spread like wide fire all over the country within a space of 12 hours
earlier in August.
However, worthy of note is the very professional manner with which our
government and our healthcare givers have handled the epidemic.
Much as one would say it was the inefficiency of the government that led to the
introduction of the disease to the country in the first place; by letting travelers
from infected neighboring countries enter Nigeria freely despite prior
knowledge of the deadly EVD, one will not but applaud the efforts of the
government so far in containing the spread of the disease.
But for the 'naughtiness' and/or ignorance of some citizens, the disease would
not have left Lagos where it was originally deposited by the 'mad man' Patrick
Sawyer, who died on the 24th of July, and where the disease was well
managed.
Following the outbreak of the disease, Nigeria recorded 19 confirmed cases with 12 survivors and seven deaths. The last case of the disease was successfully discharged on September 10 from the Ebola Isolation Center.
The reality in our hands now however, is that the EVD is still in some of our
neighboring West African countries. And while we pray that we have already had
our experience of the disease and learnt our lessons, we do not know how many
other countries the disease have or will spread to.
Up to 14 September, 2,630 people had been reported as having died from the disease in four countries; Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The total number of reported cases was in excess of 5,300. The World Health Organization (WHO) admits the figures are underestimates, warning that there could be as many as 20,000 cases in the region before the outbreak is brought under control.
Our
mission, in coming up with this post, is to send a message of appreciation, support
and solidarity to our health care workers who like soldiers, have gallantly fought
this disease to a halt in our country, even at their own detriment.
They are sacrificing and risking their lives and those of their
families in order that the common man in Nigeria stays and continue to stay
safe from Ebola. Some of them have already paid the ultimate prize knowingly or
unknowingly. Worthy of mention is Dr. Adedenov and the other health
workers of the First Consultants Lagos. In August, the WHO reported that ten percent of
the dead have been health care workers.[15] Their sacrifices have ensured that
Nigeria has so far beaten the world record for EVD survivor rate with more than
50% survivor rate, recording a 57.9% survivor rate, But ultimately, their
efforts have ensured that Nigeria has successfully combated this disease and is
once again free from EVD.
But will these their sacrifices continue to suffice for us,
especially bearing in mind that the EVD is still within our neighborhood? Not
without our cooperation and contribution as citizens. We must therefore commit
to doing the right and the safe things always.
1.
We must continue to be law abiding and avoid panic.
2.
We must be vigilant and report any suspected case of EVD to health authorities
in our localities.
3.
We must avail ourselves of good knowledge of the EVD especially its symptoms
and preventive measures.
4. We must avoid making contacts unnecessarily with sick persons at homes or
hospitals especially if such patients are showing any of the symptoms of the
EVD. To such patients we must advice them to report to the nearest hospital, or
safely take them to the hospital in the case they are unable to help
themselves.
5. Parents who work outside of homes especially those who work
in hospitals, airports, seaports and public places must avoid making contacts
with their children and family members after returning from work, until they
have washed their hands with soap and water.
6. If you had contact with a person (within 20 days), who is later confirmed to
be down with EVD, or you know anybody who had, submit yourself or the person to
health authorities to be placed on surveillance.
7. If you are placed on surveillance, kindly obey every instruction you are
given by healthcare givers, because they are professionals and their goal is to
save your life and those of your family, friends, colleagues and indeed
Nigerians.
8. Being infected with EVD is neither a crime nor a death sentence, as is
evident in the survival of about 12 patients in Lagos and Port-Harcourt. Be
calm, be obedient and believe.
9. Spread only information that is authentic and true about the
EVD and its situation in Nigeria. Be careful what you hear about the disease.
False information is dangerous and can be more deadly than the EVD itself.
10. If you think this information you have been reading is authentic, or you
believe our healthcare givers deserve our appreciation and support, kindly
share this post with your friends by clicking the share button.
If you think it is not and in any case, compose one that is more authentic, like and post on our Facebook page.
Thank you for reading.
From all of us here, have a happy day free from Ebola!!!
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