TheCable

Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, says available data indicate that Nigeria is already experiencing the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ehanire spoke at a press briefing of the presidential steering committee on COVID-19 on Monday.

He solicited for state participation in sample collection, reporting, and treatment of cases, saying that only 17 states made data or sample submissions in the last cycle.

“All data indicate that we are now no doubt in the third wave of resurgence of the SARS-COV-2 infection, which we saw coming long ago,” Ehanire said.

“I wish to use the opportunity to again solicit more participation of our states in the roles they have to play, at this very trying time, in sample collection, preparing Isolation and treatment centers and providing logistics for movement of commodities and patients and reporting to the various COVID-19 pillars.

“Only 17 states made data or sample submissions in the last cycle, where Lagos and Akwa Ibom States were the epicenters.

“The federal ministry of health is engaging resident doctors who have embarked on industrial action with a view to quickly resolving the issues. While this is ongoing, medical directors at federal and state hospitals are directed to ensure that service delivery is not disrupted in their centres.”

The minister said there are available beds and oxygen supply at treatment centers, adding that they are ready to receive cases in the face of the third wave threat.

He said most of the deaths recorded were from people who didn’t get vaccinated, hence he advised that Nigerians endeavour to get vaccinated.

He also called on Nigerians to improve on the observance of precautionary measures and report any feeling of unwellness to the nearby COVID-19 centre.

He said the health ministry is engaging resident doctors to call off the strike but will ensure treatment of patients is not disrupted by their absence.