Nigeria: NMA Salutes Health Workers

Marking this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has saluted health workers across the country for their sacrifice and dedication, particularly those who have contracted Covid-19. In a message to health workers and tribute to those who have lost their lives to the dreaded virus, the NMA described the efforts of health workers as exemplifying ‘astute conviction and unwavering patriotism’.

The message, jointly signed by the National President of NMA, Dr Francis Faduyile, and the General Secretary, Dr Olumuyiwa Odusote, said, ‘We salute the astute conviction and unwavering patriotism of all health workers in Nigeria especially the uncommon courage at the war front against Covid-19 and commiserate with the families and associates of the deceased’. The NMA confirmed that a total of 20 doctors had so far contracted the virus, with two having recovered. The association also confirmed the recording of three mortalities.

The theme for this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work is, ‘Stop the Pandemic: Safety and Health at Work Can Save Lives’. The NMA said the occurrence and spread of Covid-19 could be halted by adhering to global best practices of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols. The statement by the association said, ‘The availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) in adequate quality and quantity, amenities like running water, enabling the environment in the health service space and spirit-lifting motivation and incentives can mitigate hazardous environments, reduce drastically the incidence of nosocomial infections and engender a hazard-free health service environment’.

The marking of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work also provided the NMA with an opportunity to call attention to its efforts in assisting health workers in private health facilities. The NMA is mobilising resources through the ‘Save Our Private Health Practitioners’ programme, to provide adequate consumables and personal protective equipment for the safety and protection of doctors in the private sector.

Source: Vanguard

Photo source: US Army Africa

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