As part of efforts towards curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, the federal government on Monday launched a sensitisation campaign.
Tagged ‘Powerful H.A.N.D.S,’ the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, while speaking at the launch, said the campaign is targeted at select states with high COVID-19 cases in the country.
He listed the concerned states as Lagos, Oyo, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers and the federal capital territory, FCT.
Mr Ihekweazu said the initiative aims at increasing the number of Nigerians who practice COVID-19 preventive measures, which includes regular hand washing.
“This will last for an initial period of four months while communicating the main message that “THE POWER TO STOP COVID-19 IS IN OUR H.A.N.D.S,” Ihekweazu said.
He noted that the pandemic has led to the rapid development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, “reflecting remarkable human capacity to build on years of existing research to bring about exponential scientific innovation.”
He, however, said the initiative, as a national social and behaviour change campaign, is simpler to curb the spread of the virus.
The director general gave the H.A.N.D.S’ acronym to mean; “H – Have your hands washed or sanitised frequently; A – Always cough or sneeze into your elbow; N – No going out without face mask; D – Distance of at least two arm’s lengths should be maintained; S – Stay indoors and self-isolate if you feel sick.”
The NCDC boss said although the pandemic fatigue is understandable, it is important for everyone to continue to adhere to all non-pharmaceutical measures already put in place.
“Wash your hands with soap and water, use alcohol-based sanitisers, ensure physical distancing, do not attend large gatherings, especially those without adherence to COVID-19 protocol,” he said.
As some countries are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, Nigeria has continued to record low cases for almost three months.
As of Thursday, Nigeria has recorded 165,852 COVID-19 cases, according to an update by the NCDC.