A community-based and youth liberties group, the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), has expressed worry that Nigeria, with a population of almost 200million, only has five reference laboratories for the COVID 19.

In a statement in reaction to the spread of pandemic in the country, WAY called on every state to, as part of emergency, take proactive measures to set up laboratories with capacities for COVID-19 tests and containment as well as a COVID-19 treatment centre.

It however applauded the measures taken by the Federal and some state governments to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

In a statement from its Africa regional office signed by Mr. Preye Ketebu-Brown, Coordinator, WAY-Africa Response Against COVID-19, WAY observed that Kano, Imo and Bayelsa states are amongst none index states leading impressively.

WAY noted that the Kano State Government has set up a broad-based multi-stakeholder task-force that comprise, among others, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), and Bayero University Kano.

According to Ketebu-Brown who is also the group’s Vice President (Africa), the appointment of Prof. Maurice Iwu to lead the COVID-19 taskforce in Imo State is equally strategic in view of his vast experience in Pharmacognosy.

For the efforts of the Bayelsa State Government, the group stated that “the decision of Governor Douye Diri to personally chair the State’s Special Taskforce on COVID-19 and his directive for all Local Government Areas in the State to do the same is most impressive

“The step is recommended to other states and countries across Africa. Africa needs political will to win this. Bayelsa State has taken the boldest step taken so far in the Country by a State Government against the Corona Virus (COVID-19).

“WAY calls on all and sundry to take extreme caution in social meetings, greetings and interactions. Youths are advised to be vigilant for correct and current information.

“Avoid spreading fake news and comply with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and WHO updates/guidelines/alerts to stay safe from contacting the virus,” the statement read in part.

The global youth body commended state Governments that have conducted trainings for Information Officers, Media Practitioners, Security personnel, Health workers and urged others to follow suit and engage youth organizations for advocacy activities at states and local government levels.

“Youths and youth organizations should take up the challenge in spreading awareness on appropriate social behaviours on-line, in their neighbourhood at community levels.

“The younger generation must act to protect and isolate the vulnerable and elderly from COVID-19.

“(We) are confident that Nigeria shall prevail over this crisis as she did per Ebola,” Ketebu-Brown stated.

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